Does metal have to be polished before chroming?

[DJHA90]

Like the Title says...

 

[DarkProphet]

No, I dont belive it does. I know they use a bunch of washes which strips and cleans the metal. So as long as its clean I think it can be chromed.

 

[illwood]

No, I dont belive it does. I know they use a bunch of washes which strips and cleans the metal. So as long as its clean I think it can be chromed.

Well, you're partially right. To just have something chromed, you don't have to polish it. However this will only give you a satin chrome finish (have a look at a machinist's rule to see this finish). It looks good, but isn't very shiny. The polishing is what makes chroming expensive.

 

[Zero Signal]

You need it pretty smooth if you want a mirror finish. The process will fill in about 400 grit equivalent at best. The chrome is a thick layer of copper, then some nickel and the chrome you see on top, so the copper will help to smooth out imperfections to a certain degree.

 

[mo_dingo]

When we plated gold at my dad's jewelry store, we buffed it until it was nice and shiny. And I would recommend you do the same.
Scott

 

[KK6695GT]

Yes!!!!!!!!

The copper plating is put on first to fill imperfections and to be buffed/polished. Chrome plating is extremely thin and any imperfections left before the chrome plating will show afterwords. Think of a paint job but ten times worse. Just like prep make a paint job, polishing make a chrome job. Chrome is the topcoat, not the sandable filler stage.