Midland Polishing and Plating offer both satin chrome and bright chrome finishes.

The terms satin and bright chrome are a little misleading because the finish is determined by the nickel being satin or bright.

The chrome is deposited on top of the nickel to prevent it oxidising and also adds a bluish tinge to the white lustre of bright nickel and the matt, gun metal effect of satin nickel.

The chrome also improves the overall protection.

It may be either hexavalent or trivalent chrome.

The two process are used on various metals including aluminium finishing.

The electroplating of satin chrome and bright chrome is slightly dissimilar although the basic plating solution has the same chemicals.

The additives to obtain the finishes are different.

When plating parts that have no metal polishing in a bright nickel, extra brightener can be added to enhance the finish.

With satin nickel the more additive applied to the solution the more satin the deposit.

Solution movement around the component is essential so the area is not starved of metal ions that are deposited onto the surface.

If there are insufficient ions the surface will be dull and pitted.

To create movement the solution can have air agitation supplied by a compressor through pipes situated in the bottom of the tank with small holes pointing upwards underneath the work.

This cannot be installed for satin nickel.

An alternative which is used in the satin process is “mechanical movement” when the work bar is moved either vertically or horizontally depending on how much movement is required for specific chemistry.

This is sometimes employed for bright nickel electroplating, but more so in Europe than in the UK.

Electrophoretic lacquer can also be applied on top of the satin and bright finishes.

For more information on Satin Chrome & Bright Chrome finishes, Electrophoretic lacquer and electroplating contact Midland Plating & Polishing on 01902 421174 or use the contact form.