Chrome plating of car parts: remove rust, painting theory
Content
Chrome parts can be found on any car, as many manufacturers use them to enhance the look of their creations.
We can say that this is one of the elements of tuning, which is sometimes so necessary for others. But these details must be monitored and provided with proper care, using various means.
Over the years, they are exposed to external influences, so every owner of the car tries to update the chrome parts.
Consider the main nuances of the work and stages.
How to remove rust from chrome parts
If corrosion has already manifested itself, then over time it will begin to spread, so the best way to deal with it is to prevent its occurrence altogether.
For this, a special varnish or technical vaseline was created. These substances perform a protective function. Such protection remains on the surface for 2-3 months, then it needs to be renewed again.
If rust has already appeared on the surface of the part, then it is necessary to stop the spread of corrosion by applying mechanical cleaning, eliminating the area that has rusted. Oil varnish is used to cover the surface.
At home, you can remove rust with soda, but at the same time, it must be used carefully, because it can be tough. A soft powder and crushed chalk are also used with preliminary application to a flannel rag.
You can use a specialized tool - "Vedeshka", but as a last resort. Before applying the agent to the part, it is necessary to remove it from the machine, carry out mechanical processing.
Depending on the degree of corrosion generation, it is determined which emery to use - finer or larger abrasive.
When removing a larger amount of metal, its integrity should be ensured by applying a primer to the seams from welding.
The cleaner can remove traces of stains and grease. The polish is used for minor damage, it is important that it does not contain acid or ammonia.
The presented tooth powder, GOI paste, chalk are used to eliminate defects.
Car owners use a folk remedy to eliminate rust - foil processed in Coca-Cola.
Whichever corrosion cleaner you choose, remember that you must treat all procedures with special attention, because only in this way can a beautiful appearance be achieved.
Care instructions
The chrome-plated surface of car elements becomes covered with scratches over time, or even tarnishes altogether. There is a version that such elements rust less, but unfortunately this is not the case, so the procedure for washing a car should be treated carefully.
Immediately after washing, wipe the chrome components with a soft cloth. If treated with rough means, they will quickly fade.
Strong temperature fluctuations and excessive moisture all negatively affect chrome components, so try to avoid such moments.
In summer, after washing, it is best to leave the car in the shade, and in winter, use special sprays to protect it. At the same time, the water pressure should be weak, so as not to leave the garage with moisture droplets on the surface of the car.
To carry out a full-fledged care for such parts, it is necessary to use the developed polishing mixtures, in which it is important to find wax.
The content should not contain salt and other aggressive ingredients. For discs on a car, applying ordinary varnish will be an ideal means of protection.
Chrome-plated components are rubbed with kerosene, gasoline or alcohol with a certain frequency, but then they must be washed off with warm water. Make sure that soda and oils do not get on them, and use kerosene for degreasing before polishing.
Basics of chrome plating at home
Chrome plating involves preliminary cleaning of the product. To eliminate scratches, cracks, grinding should be used.
Often, when working, a grinder is used, when it is not at hand, an abrasive wheel, a felt disc is used. Chrome plating is applied in several ways and everyone can appreciate all its advantages and disadvantages.
Many owners begin to independently carry out all the procedures, which we recommend.
Chrome plating can be applied to copper, brass and nickel.
Before carrying out the procedure, it is important to carry out phased work:
- Pre-polishing and degreasing with acetone. Polishing work must be carried out to protect the coating from corrosion.
- Gasoline and acetone eliminates greasy stains on the surface.
- Treatment in saline solution for 5-20 minutes, depending on how damaged the surface is;
- The elements are placed in a prepared chromium plating bath, the treatment takes place for 20 minutes. Then all components are washed under water.
Places where chrome will have to be applied are protected using celluloid glue. It is also used to cover the hole.
It is not so difficult to create an electrolyte - chromic anhydride should be dissolved in ordinary water and sulfuric acid should be poured gradually. When the shade of the substances turns from red to burgundy, then you can take up the chrome plating of the elements.
The resulting mass of solution for chromium plating should be within 45 degrees. It depends on the surface to be treated how different current strength indicators are used. 15-20 amperes is enough to process an area of 1 sq. dm. The resulting mixture can be used only after a day for processing elements made of plastic or metal.
It’s not a shame to show the resulting chrome part to your friends, but if something didn’t work out, you shouldn’t be upset. With a solution of hydrochloric acid, you can eliminate the failed part of the part and repeat the entire procedure.
The main defects that are often found after work:
- The film peels off due to poor degreasing of the surface.
- Chrome builds up on sharp corners and edges. To prevent this from happening, it is better to round the edges in advance.
- The absence of the desired gloss is due to the need to increase the temperature of the solution used.
Despite possible defects, all of them are eliminated if desired and do not constitute any threats. After troubleshooting, the procedure can be repeated again, which will create a quality part.
The theory of painting chrome parts
First of all, it is necessary to remove the part with which the work will be carried out, clean it from dirt and dry it.
Moreover, if the technology is violated, the coating may deteriorate. But painting can be done, you just need to know some of the nuances of working with metals. First, the necessary element is matted with acid products or with a selected primer.
Metal parts are well treated with acidic primer. Since it adheres well to metal, paint adheres better to it.
A two-component phosphating primer is also suitable for work, due to the fact that there is an acid thinner in the list of components.
Priming also provides an update of the characteristics of the metal. Then it is processed with ordinary primer, which is the basis for paint and varnish.
It is possible to cover the surface with paint with other substances without acidic substances in the composition. The only question is a well-chosen soil that would be combined with metal.
- The surface is degreased and it is better if several means are used for this at once - a solvent and an anti-silicone. To avoid leaving fingerprints after these procedures, you should use napkins or special gloves.
- Gloss is removed with sandpaper. If you miss this stage of work, then the paint will simply begin to peel off.
- Cover the resulting matted area with primer. Try to apply several layers of primer, only after complete pouring, you can start the painting procedure. If during the work on the primer dirt has stuck, then it is removed with putty.
- For uniform application of paint, it is worth using an airbrush, then you get a thin layer.
The first layer of paint dries in 10-15 minutes, then the second layer is applied, which allows for a uniform surface creation. After the paint has completely dried, a varnish is applied on top, which, at the end of all procedures, is polished.
It is also worth preparing for painting, be sure to stock up on the necessary materials - a brush, roller or spray, and protective equipment. Aerosol primers are often used as convenience materials.
Nevertheless, the masters recommend using a putty primer, because paint is best placed on it.
Having done the entire procedure for chrome plating and painting once, you will already become a specialist and will be familiar with all the nuances of the work.
If necessary, all defects can be redone, but if you are still not confident in your abilities, you can entrust the procedure to the master and at the same time see how he will do everything, but be prepared for waste.
After resuming chrome plating, try to provide care for the new coating - wash the components with a soft sponge, clean from dirt and salts.
When washing, try to use substances with a gentle content that will not affect the surface. If necessary, use a polishing machine for a perfect look.
