Chrome Plating

Chrome Plating

Superior shine & corrosion resistance for automotive and industrial parts.

Process Overview

Chrome Plating

Chrome plating is one of the most recognisable and technically demanding electroplating processes. It deposits a thin layer of chromium onto a substrate, creating a mirror-bright, highly corrosion-resistant surface. At Sunsai, we offer decorative chrome for high-gloss aesthetics, hard chrome for industrial wear resistance, and satin chrome for a refined low-reflectivity finish.

Coating Thickness

Decorative / satin chrome

0.1 – 0.5 µm

Hard chrome

25 – 500+ µm

Typical Turnaround

3–5 business days (standard)

Chrome Plating example

Available Types

Types of Chrome Plating

Decorative Chrome

Thin, bright finish applied over a nickel undercoat. Used for automotive trim, furniture hardware, bathroom fixtures, and consumer products. Provides a high-gloss mirror appearance with good corrosion resistance.

Hard Chrome

Thick industrial chrome deposit (25–500+ microns) applied directly for wear and corrosion resistance. Used on hydraulic cylinders, shafts, moulds, and machine components. Exceptional hardness (900–1100 HV).

Satin Chrome

A softer, low-reflectivity chrome finish with a brushed or frosted appearance. Achieved through controlled bath conditions or post-plating treatment. Popular for interior automotive trim, premium hardware, and consumer products where high gloss is undesirable.

Why It Works

Key Advantages

  • Exceptional hardness and wear resistance
  • Outstanding corrosion protection
  • High-gloss decorative finish
  • Low coefficient of friction
  • Heat resistance up to 400°C
  • Dimensional restoration of worn parts

Where It's Used

Applications

  • Automotive bumpers, grilles, and trim
  • Hydraulic cylinders and rods
  • Industrial moulds and dies
  • Bathroom and kitchen fittings
  • Machine shafts and journals
  • Motorcycle parts and accessories

Common Questions

Chrome Plating FAQs

Standard chrome plating jobs are completed in 3–5 business days. Hard chrome on larger industrial parts may take longer depending on the required thickness.

Decorative chrome is a thin (0.1–0.5 µm), high-gloss layer applied over a nickel undercoat for appearance. Hard chrome is a much thicker (25–500+ µm) deposit applied directly to the substrate for wear resistance and dimensional restoration on industrial components.

Chrome plating requires a conductive, plateable base metal. Aluminium can be chrome plated after suitable pre-treatment; plastics require a specialised electroless metallisation process we can advise on during consultation.

Yes — chrome plating provides excellent corrosion resistance, especially when applied over a nickel undercoat, and adds a hard, low-friction surface that resists wear.

How We Do It

Our Process

A proven, step-by-step approach — from surface preparation to final inspection.

1

Step 1

Thorough degreasing & cleaning

2

Step 2

Mechanical or electrolytic polishing

3

Step 3

Copper strike (decorative only)

4

Step 4

Bright nickel undercoat (decorative only)

5

Step 5

Chrome electrodeposition

6

Step 6

Post-treatment & quality inspection

Hard chrome is deposited directly onto the substrate after activation — the copper and nickel undercoats apply to decorative and satin chrome only. Satin chrome uses the same electrodeposition bath as decorative chrome but with modified bath additives or mechanical post-treatment to reduce reflectivity. Exact steps vary by substrate alloy, part geometry, and specification.