What preparation work do I need to do?

Ensure all parts are disassembled.  There's little point trying to clean items, as this can usually be done chemically with little effort and no damage to the underlying material.

Never remove chrome by shot blasting, this makes the polishing much more difficult.

Regarding the polishing, unless you're experienced and have the proper tools and equipment it's best left to a specialist.

If any straightening or major repairs are required, this is of benefit.  Make the best job possible, as sorting someone else's poor attempt of a repair is much more expensive than doing the original repair!  We can remove the nickel and chrome first to make the job easier.

Don't use soft solder as a filler as the plating will not adhere.  Weld, braze and silver solder are generally ok.

Do you chrome Mazac/Diecast parts?

Yes.  We have much success with diecast, however there are limitations.

The material by nature corrodes and pits very badly.  These pits when the item is stripped can often be much more severe than originally thought.  For this reason we are careful what we take on.

Plating diecast parts are much more expensive than brass or steel because of the extra work involved, as such if good new replacements are available this is often the best solution.

Do you chrome aluminium?

No.  It's technically possible but not something we get involved in.

Re-plating aluminium is never very successful, and will often break down after a short period of time.

Do you chrome alloy wheels?

No.  Again it's something we choose not to get involved in.

We recommend either buying new ones, or having them painted.

If you are having them painted we can remove the chrome.

Do you chrome other wheels?

No, except for motorcycle rims.

How do I look after the plating?

It's important to remember that chrome is only a few microns thick, so don't use anything too aggressive.  We reccomend normal car shampoo and water.

Chrome cleaning liquids are abrasive, and should be reserved for dull or rusty plating.  Road salt and acid rain are the biggest culprits, wash these off with clean water and a soft rag.

Over winter we reccomend using a protective layer on the chrome, such as squirting a few drops of oil into a cupful of paraffin.

At all other times keep it clean and it should last for many years.

Do you take payment by Card?

Yes we do.  There is no charge for debit cards, a 2.5% charge for personal credit cards, and a 3% charge for business credit cards.