Brushed Bumper

[MonzaRacer]

ok the process is repair of the bumper as it has to have perfect metal work,,,most times in after the hand work it is heavy copper plating which for the body and paint guys this is the "primer" and brings a smooth surface to the part, if you see a new rechrome bumper it might still have fine scratches up close,, this means cheap or poorly done.
Then after they prep that by sanding, polishing, recopper plating and then it gets a good heavy nickel coat or coats. you will then do your brush work , most will use various scotch brite pads then the chrome plating seals the surface as it is more like a clear coat, but takes away most of the yellow tinge that nickle has.
i did do a few small parts with rattle can chrome paint and white(fine) scotch brite after its good a cured then a heavy high solids clear coat with touch of flex agent and touch of hardener (did this in laquer last time).

[nekkidhillbilly]

couldn't you just strip off the chrome then brush it and have it chrome powder coated on top of that?

well if you did that why would you need it powder coated maybeye a clear dull coat would be a good idea but thats about it. that said sandblaster and the pc would be easier and just as cheap.

[maxxom]

We do it to cars all the time, its a very simple process just have to find someone you like to do the work. its also very expensive but the end result is sick.

1. take your bumper and have all dents worked out
2. copper plate the bumper and do normal stuff to get ready for next stage
3. nickle plate the bumper and then you will have to brush the complete bumper in one direction so it all matches perfect
4. take back to chrome shop and have them chrome and polish the bumper

This is what that will look like and like I said we have done a ton of parts this way

Please clarify your instructions. I contacted a local plating company, showed them this post and below is their reply. I am confused.


That is the finish that we are speaking about, the only thing I am questioning is the process you are describing. You only have a small window of time to put the chrome onto the bumper after it has been nickel plated. The process you are describing far exceeds that window of opportunity. It is not plausible to put chrome on to a brushed nickel bumper. The usual process for brushed nickel or satin finish, which is the exact finish you are seeing on the pictures that you sent to me, is: straightening & dent removal - stripping - grinding - polishing - nickel strike - copper - copper buff - bright nickel - and then brush. We have never put chrome on to a brushed nickel finish as it is not a plausible application.

[maxxom]

I found a plater that can do this. I tested them with the heater delete plate on my 70 Camaro. It is very expensive and leaves dark finger prints when touched. Easily cleaned off but seems like it would be high maintenance.

[GNon18s]

Bump. Anybody doing this?