For decades, numerous chrome parts adorned car bodies, and only in the late 1970s did priorities change, and elegant shiny elements gradually began to give way to functional black plastic.
However, in the new millennium, chrome plating of external decorative and functional elements has again become widespread. At the same time, the application of decorative coatings now has not only aesthetic, but also purely practical significance.
Chrome plating is most often used for rims. Most car and motorcycle owners, of course, first of all pursue the goal of making their vehicle different from others, somehow standing out in the crowd and simply enjoying its elegant appearance. This method of tuning gives the mentioned effect to the fullest. However, an equally significant result is the creation of reliable protection of disks from external physical and chemical influences, which leads to a significant increase in their service life while fully maintaining the original appearance.
Decorative and protective coating applied using modern technologies is highly resistant to mechanical destruction, is not susceptible to the sandblasting effect, and actively resists the effects of various aggressive environments, including deicers and salt that are abundant on roads.
Chrome plating from Fusion Technologies
Prices for chrome plating wheels in Moscow do not differ significantly in cost, but in quality. Since FusionTechnologies not only carries out chrome plating of wheel rims and other parts, but also supplies equipment and consumables for chemical metallization, the quality of our own work is of particular importance to us.
The combination of excellent results with low cost of services is the main reason why contacting us will be the optimal solution for you.
Chrome plating and maintenance technologies
There are 2 methods of applying chrome to parts:
- diffusion;
- galvanic.
The electroplating method is more durable and of higher quality. However, it is more technically complex. It is the introduction of chromium into the molecular lattice of the metal that makes up the car's wheels. This allows them to be moisture and heat resistant. This technique for chrome-plated cast wheels is considered more reliable due to the passivation properties of chromium - the formation of an oxide film that slows down the occurrence of corrosion. Chrome plating is especially useful for those who love high speed and use their vehicle frequently. It reduces the likelihood of premature failure of chrome wheels.
Chrome plated disc
The diffuse method is, in fact, the usual painting of cast parts with powder paints. It costs less than electroplating, provides a thinner layer of paint and a mirror effect. However, with diffuse painting, the discs are not protected from corrosion and mechanical damage.
Diffuse chrome plating method
Despite the properties of chrome wheels described above, the chrome coating requires special care to avoid scratches and other damage. The rules of care are:
- Regular cleaning using products that do not contain ammonia or acetone . It is carried out using soft tissues. After applying detergents, you need to wash them off with water (under low pressure to avoid damage), and then wipe the discs dry (especially important in frosty weather). To maintain a mirror-like shine, experts recommend using polishing;
- If the discs are damaged, first treat the damaged area with chalk and then wipe with a dry cloth . It is also necessary to apply a clear varnish to the surface to prevent the destruction of the oxide film around the scratch;
- If dirt appears, do not try to remove it under any circumstances when it is dry . Remember that scraping and scrubbing away grains of sand will invariably damage the chrome. You must first wet the dirt, wait until it gets wet, and then carefully remove it;
- You should clean not only the discs, but also the surfaces adjacent to them.
Examples of our work
Chrome plating of wheels and parts, nickel plating and painting
| Name Disk radius, part | Price for vacuum chrome plating, rub. (PC)** | Galvanic chrome plating of parts, rub. * (PC) | Price for gilding of parts (gold chrome), rub. (PC) |
| 13-15 | 3500 | 8000 | 4000 |
| 16 | 4000 | 8500 | 5000 |
| 17 | 4500 | 9800 | 5500 |
| 18 | 5000 | 11000 | 6000 |
| 19 | 7000 | 12500 | 8000 |
| 20 | 8000 | 15000 | 9000 |
| 21 | 10000 | *** | 11500 |
| 22 | 11000 | *** | 14000 |
| 23 | 15500 | *** | 19000 |
| 24-26 | *** | *** | *** |
| Mirror | from 2200 | *** | 3700-7500 |
| Mirror cover | 2000-3500 | *** | 3000-5200 |
| Door handle | 1000-2500 | *** | 1500-3700 |
| Car front grille trim | 5000-13000 | *** | 7500-18500 |
| Upper arc (railing) | from 6000 | *** | *** |
| Motorcycle rim | from 7000 | *** | from 12000 |
| Motorcycle rim (spoked) | from 15000 | rim from 10000 | from 25000 |
| Motorcycle parts | *** | *** | *** |
| Helmet | from 8000 | *** | *** |
| Fuel filler flap | 1500-3000 | *** | 2700-4500 |
| Headlight reflector | 1500-5000 | *** | *** |
| Molding | 1000-3000 | *** | 1500-4500 |
| Bumper (up to 1.6 m) | 9000-16000 | *** | 13500-24000 |
| Decorative details | *** | *** | *** |
| Details of commercial equipment and interior | *** | *** | *** |
Production time is from 3 to 14 days.
Delivery is carried out both in Moscow and in the territory of New Moscow.
— Prices for work on disks with a radius of R-22 and above are subject to agreement. — Work on parts for Luxury and Super Cars by agreement, individual approach. — Work on motorcycle parts — by agreement, various color variations. — Electroplating with chrome – by agreement, depends on the area of the part. — Decorative parts (souvenirs, cutlery, parts of electrical appliances and others) are coated with both electroplating and precious materials. — Parts of equipment and interior (up to 2 m) (shelving, design details and architectural structures, figurines and other parts)
Car wheels are accepted in flanged form.
Inlay with Swarovski stones – by agreement. Removing old chrome and powder paint - from 500 to 1500 rubles per piece.
* Electroplating in Moscow (copper, nickel) - from 1200 - 1500 dm2 with preparation
** Chrome plating of plastic parts in a vacuum is similar in cost to metal parts, since the coating method is almost the same.
*** The cost is discussed individually. Call! tel
Painting of wheels and parts.
• Painting of dismountable wheels + 25% of the cost • Combined painting + 25% of the cost
| Disc radius, detail | Price for painting, (enamel), rub. (PC) | Painting of wheels (powder paint), parts, rub. (PC) |
| 13-15 | 2500 | 600-1500 |
| 16 | 2500 | 1250-1800 |
| 17 | 3000 | 1600-2300 |
| 18 | 3200 | 1900-2700 |
| 19 | 3500 | from 4500 |
| 20 | 4000 | from 4500 |
| 21 | 5000 | from 4500 |
| 22 | 6000 | from 4500 |
| 23-26 | *** | *** |
| Disc radius, detail | Combined disc (vacuum chrome and enamel painting), part, rub. (PC) | Combined disc (2-color enamel painting), part, rub. (PC) | Combined disc, (vacuum chrome and gilding), part, rub. (PC) |
| 13-15 | from 3400 | from 3200 | *** |
| 16 | from 4200 | from 3600 | *** |
| 17 | from 4800 | from 4200 | *** |
| 18 | from 5400 | from 4800 | *** |
| 19 | from 7200 | from 5400 | *** |
| 20 | from 8400 | from 6000 | *** |
| 21 | from 9000 | from 6600 | *** |
| 22 | from 9600 | from 7200 | *** |
| 23-26 | *** | *** | *** |
How to properly paint steel wheels yourself
- Inspect the part for damage. Deep scratches need to be sanded down with a file, and dents should be straightened out.
- Foci of corrosion are eliminated by grinding or chemical methods.
The last point needs more detailed consideration.
To combat rust you will need the following materials:
- Sandpaper P60 - P120, the required grit should correspond to the depth of damage to the metal.
- Rust converter and solvent.
- Rags.
- Electric drill and special attachments for grinding.
- Spray gun and compressor unit.
- Paint or spray can.
- Overalls and protective mask.
- Primer and solvent.
- Painting tape and rags.
- Sandpaper.
A sandblasting machine to remove corrosion would be quite useful, but it is quite possible to do without it.
How to paint car rims yourself
As you know, car wheels are most susceptible to mechanical damage. The wheels rotate at high speed. All this leads to the destruction of the paintwork, as small stones hit the wheel and destroy the paint. Of course, any company specializing in painting will help restore the original appearance of the wheels. However, it should be noted that this pleasure is not cheap. However, painting car rims yourself is not so difficult - the main thing is that you have the desire.
Before painting the wheels yourself, you need to acquire:
- iron hand brush;
- sandpaper of several sizes;
- primer for cars;
- putty for cars;
- several cans of automotive paint for wheels;
- abrasive paste for grinding;
- several cans of clear car varnish.
Wheel cleaning
Now you need to clean the wheels. The old paint must be removed, but knowing that it will not be so easy. Wheel paint is one of the most durable. Try using a chisel or an old knife and pick out any chips. Afterwards, you need to use an electric drill with a metal brush attachment and perform a final cleaning of the surface of the car rim. It must be remembered that the better the surface is cleaned, the better the new paint will adhere, and the better the wheel itself will look.
The next procedure is the final cleaning of the surface by hand. At this stage we will need sandpaper. Power tools are, of course, good at cleaning surfaces, but it is best to complete this procedure with your hands. Use coarser-grit sandpaper initially and gradually work your way down to a smaller grit. After thorough cleaning, the surface must be washed with gasoline or acetone to degrease the surface. The surface of the material to be painted must be very clean and always free of grease, otherwise the paint will simply not adhere well to it. Respect your work.
Painting
The very last moment has come - this, of course, is painting. This moment is perhaps the most solemn, since we had to work hard to remove the old coating, but this is also the most important procedure. There is no need to rush here and the main thing is to do everything right. If you do something wrong, then all the previous work will completely go down the drain. But you shouldn’t be afraid, if you don’t rush and do everything according to the instructions, then everything will definitely work out. As they say, the eyes are afraid, but the hands do. By the way, about the eyes and hands, they need to be protected from paint. Before you paint car rims yourself, you must first put on special glasses and a respirator. You must wear gloves on your hands. It is prohibited to paint without a respirator and glasses, as you can be poisoned by paint fumes or damage your eyesight.
Helpful advice
Before painting, it is necessary to degrease the surface again. The can of paint must be constantly shaken and kept within 40 centimeters from the surface to be painted. It is necessary to carry the can evenly without delay, applying the paint evenly. The painting procedure is carried out several times with a break of 15 minutes. If defects are noticeable, there is no need to worry, because everything can be corrected and the painting procedure can be repeated. Afterwards, the paint is allowed to dry and the disc is then varnished. As is obvious, painting car rims yourself is not very difficult, the main thing is to approach this issue responsibly and take your time, then everything will definitely work out.
Types of chrome paints
When choosing paint with a mirror effect, you need to take into account the features and properties of the solutions presented on the shelves of construction markets. There are two main groups, which include all materials used for chrome painting.
One-component compositions
Most often, these coloring agents are sold in cans and are not suitable for all types of work; they have their own advantages and disadvantages. The first include the absence of the need for special tools for applying liquid chrome (the packaging is already adapted for spraying), as well as compactness and ease of storage (the paint in cans is hermetically sealed and will not dry out). Inexpensive one-component chrome-effect paints are sometimes packaged in cans.
The disadvantages of these materials are the following:
- the resemblance of a surface painted with one-component chrome paint in a can or can to real polished metal in most cases turns out to be distant;
- the process of painting by spraying is quite complicated, a good result is possible only if all the subtleties of the technology are fully observed;
- due to lightning-fast drying, the material sometimes simply does not have time to adhere to the base, as a result, the coating peels off even with weak mechanical stress;
- Purchasing chrome-effect aerosol paint to cover large surfaces is an impractical step, since canned formulations are more expensive per gram.
How to choose auto enamel for wheels?
Recently, paints that imitate chrome or gold plating have become popular. It is very important that the painted wheels look harmonious in relation to the rest of the car’s exterior elements and, of course, in relation to each other. For example, if chrome paint is selected, it should have the same color intensity and shine on all wheels.
When choosing paint for alloy wheels, you need to focus on its quality and buy products from well-known manufacturers, because low-quality paint will not last long, especially since the wheels experience enormous loads and need reliable protection.
It is important to purchase spray paint from the same batch, because the slightest inconsistencies in shades will ruin the entire impression and reduce your efforts to zero.
Powder coating of wheels in chrome
Nowadays, powder coating of chrome wheels is used by all car manufacturers. This decision is justified by the following reasons - this coating can be considered the most durable and reliable in our time, thanks to painting the wheels in chrome, effective protection against all kinds of factors is provided. But over time, the appearance of car wheels becomes unsightly, the paint fades and begins to crack.
Most car owners immediately wonder what to do in such a case; will they really have to fork out money for new wheels? We will help you save a lot of money, to do this you just need to contact our company and order the service of powder painting of wheels in chrome. In this case, your discs will acquire an appearance comparable to new products, and you will no longer need to spend money on a set of new discs.
Advantages of contacting our company
Our specialized company offers its professional services for painting wheels in chrome; this procedure is performed using powder paint. To perform this service, we use exclusively modern equipment from renowned manufacturers, the latest technologies, and are also ready to provide you with a guarantee that we will complete the work as quickly and efficiently as possible, and the paintwork of your disc will be completely restored. If you need to paint your wheels in chrome and you contact our specialized company, you can be sure that you will receive the following advantages:
- We employ exclusively professionals who can provide high-quality powder coating of chrome wheels. In addition, you can order wheel repair from us at the same time as painting.
- Before we start directly painting the disc in chrome, we sandblast and mechanically treat the surface, due to which the service life of the polymer coating increases significantly.
- Each of our specialists has extensive experience in performing such tasks; in harmonious tandem with modern equipment, they are able to create the impossible - an ideal chrome-look polymer coating.
So, if you need to paint your wheels in chrome, then welcome to our company! We will provide you with high-quality results in the most optimal time, and your car’s wheels will shine like new again.
How to use spray paint for wheels?
Before spray paint (chrome color or any other shade) is applied to the prepared products, their surface must be coated with a primer. Before work, all surfaces that should not be painted must be covered with masking tape to protect them from splashes and drops.
It is necessary to paint wheels using a spray can at an ambient temperature of at least +10 °C.
The work is carried out in the following sequence:
- First, you need to shake the can several times so that its contents acquire a homogeneous structure.
- Application is carried out by spraying paint from a can at a distance of 25-30 cm from the surface of the product.
- It is best to apply the paint in two layers, especially if it imitates a “chrome” coating, so the shine will be more intense and the color more effective. Each layer should dry in 15-20 minutes. Complete drying of the paint, as a rule, lasts at least 3 hours, provided that the ambient temperature does not fall below +20 ° C.
Typically, one can of paint is required for one wheel rim.
Technology of painting alloy wheels with powder paint.
If the disks are new, they must be prepared accordingly. The process of preparing discs for painting is as follows: first, the master matts the surface of the discs in places where it is necessary to paint with powder paint. After which the disc is washed, degreased and sent for powder painting using electrostatic spraying. Next, the disc is placed in the oven, where it is kept for 20 minutes at a temperature of 200 degrees. WITH.
When it is necessary to carry out combined painting of disks , the first layer of paint is applied to the entire disk with powder paint. Then, areas that do not need to be painted are covered with mounting tape, and the surface intended for painting with other colors is again matted and covered with alkyd enamel paints, after which the disc is placed in the oven.
Methods and their advantages
A beautiful chrome car makes a strong impression and makes a great statement. But we should not forget about the sense of moderation. A completely chrome-plated body is already too much. This is dangerous when driving: drivers of oncoming cars can be very blinded. But some elements shimmering in the Sun will look great. A powerful effect will come from the highlighted base chrome base. To understand how to paint in chrome, you need to learn the methods and secrets. There are several ways to chrome a car:
- film,
- galvanic,
- electrochemical,
- catalytic,
- using HS technology.
Preparing for painting
Painting wheels both in a car service center and at home is essentially the same. To begin with, preparations are made for staining; it consists of the following steps:
- The first step is to remove the tires from the wheels. After this, the discs must be thoroughly cleaned of dirt and washed with car shampoo.
- After removing contaminants, the discs must be examined for defects: dents, scratches, chips.
- All existing problem areas must be thoroughly sanded, and then the surface must be degreased.
- Deep cracks and scratches must be filled with putty and, after complete drying, cleaned with sandpaper.
After completing all operations, the disk is degreased again and hung on a wire.
What tools and materials may be required
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To carry out the process of painting parts in chrome, you need to prepare the following tools:
- Special technical hair dryer;
- Spatulas;
- Spray;
- Planers for efficient stripping.
As for materials, painting plastic in chrome may require not only the paint itself, but also special acrylic varnish, primer, sandpaper, anti-silicone, solvent, putty, antistatic wipes and pieces of material.
