Chrome finish on Plastic Faceplate

[ronian2002]

I have a Kenwood KR-5600 that has a good portion of the faceplate chrome trim worn down to a dark finish. Any recommendations on how to reapply the chrome.

 

[infullview]

The plastic would have to be metalized with nickel and copper, then plated. To do a clean job, you’d have to strip the existing chrome off and that would remove any graphics on the panel. There are spray paints that do a pretty good job of looking just like chrome.

 

[Robisme]

I think he means the faceplate bezel. I seem to remember someone doing this on their Sansui 9090, or similar.

Perhaps you could search in the Sansui forum.

Rob

 

[steerpike2]

I have not seen this product, so cannot be entirely sure, but on many pieces I have seen, the "chrome" is vapour deposited aluminium. The aluminium is applied to a thin sheet of Mylar, or similar film, much like mirror-finish gift wrap. The aluminized film is then thermally bonded to working part, an "iron-on" type of process. The process seals the aluminium between the underlying working part and the application film, so it remains mirror-like for years.
It is possible to buy rolls of such film.

 

[j!m]

I restored similar “trim” on the dash of my ‘67 Belvedere many years ago. The hobby shop sold “buffing metalizer” paint.

Spray on with airbrush, buff with cotton ball when dry, seal with clear coat.

Basically you can make a plastic model plane look like polished aluminum. They have other “metals” as well, such as steel, titanium, stainless steel etc. for detailing.

Might be worth a try.

 

[ronian2002]

Thanks everyone!

 

[peerson]

Paul's Chrome Plating used to do plastic "Chrome Plating". It is a different process from triple-plating metal. They mainly do work on auto restorations. They ain't cheap! They have a website you can check out if you like (if they are still in business. I haven't looked at it for several years)

 

[Beatnik]

Alclad or Spaz Stix.

I'm not seeing bright chrome on this receiver ?

 

[Robisme]

Alclad or Spaz Stix.

I'm not seeing bright chrome on this receiver ?

View attachment 1872617

It's a brushed "chrome" on the bezel. Gives it a brushed metal look.

Rob

 

[chaz]

Best chrome 'paint' I've found:
https://www.deserres.ca/en/creative-space/advice/new-molotow-liquid-chrometm-marker