Yes, you can powder coat over chrome, but preparation is key for a lasting finish.
The most practical method for preparing chrome for powder coating, focusing on achieving a durable bond, involves a meticulous cleaning process. Here's a breakdown:
- Degreasing: Thoroughly remove any grease, oil, or contaminants from the chrome surface.
- Rinsing: Rinse the part using a high-quality water source. Deionized (DI) or reverse osmosis (RO) water is highly recommended to ensure no mineral deposits interfere with the powder coating adhesion.
| Step | Description | Water Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Degreasing | Removal of all surface contaminants like oils and grease to ensure the powder coating adheres directly to the chrome. | N/A |
| Rinsing | Critical to remove any residual cleaning agents or dissolved solids which can undermine adhesion. Use high-quality water to avoid introducing new contaminants. | DI or RO |
While blasting or etching chrome might seem like a solution, these methods aren't always practical or effective due to the hardness and smoothness of chrome. Therefore, focusing on thorough cleaning using appropriate solutions and high-quality water is usually the best approach.
