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Registered: 02-2008
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 162
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Vacuum Metallizing - FAQ


Found this information online at http://www.cvvacuumplaters.com/ and found it informative and helpful. I figured those who have already, or are thinking about vacuum metallizing, might find this helpful.

Q. What is a vacuum metalized finish?

A. It is a process whereby aluminum is vaporized in a vacuum chamber and coats plastic parts.

Q. How thick is the aluminum finish?

A. The aluminum finish is a very thin film that is protected by 2 layers of clear automotive top coat paint.

Q. How durable is the top coat?

A. The top coat that we use is a urethane, exterior, high quality paint, similar in durability to the paint on new cars. It will not crack or yellow in the sun.

Q. Will this finish be as durable as metal chrome?

A. No it is not. Since this is a painted top coat surface, it will scratch and in exterior applications, will be susceptible to rock chips. If the top coat has been chipped and the aluminum is exposed, it will begin to oxidize in the weather and it may cause the surrounding area to lift.

Q. Once the surface has been chipped is there a way to save the finish?

A. Yes, by applying clear lacquer paint to the affected area.

Q. Is your process as smooth as chrome on metal?

A. The smoothness of the surface after plating is dependent upon the surface condition of the original part.

Q. What if the part has a rough finish or needs to be sanded or repaired prior to plating.

A. The finish will mostly likely have a slight orange peel effect after it has been plated.

Q. What causes the orange peel effect?

A. In vacuum metalizing, in order to cover sanding marks and repaired sections adequately, several coats of specially designed paint must be applied to ensure a uniform and even consistency on the surface of the part. The more layers required to cover the sanding marks and repaired sections, the more the orange peel effect will become prominent.

Q. Can the surface be polished prior to plating?

A. After the part has been base coated the piece cannot be touched, sanded or polished prior to the process because the plated surface will show up any sanding or swirl marks.

Q. My parts are old and not in perfect condition will they stand up to your process and will they look as good as new when complete?

A. As the years progress, the parts become less likely to be able to handle the requirements of the process we use. In our cleaning process, the temperatures required to strip a part may enlarge an already existing crack or bring out ones that may not have been visible prior to stripping. In this case, we may have to contact you to advise of the condition of the plastic part(s). Expectations of 30 year plus parts to be in new condition upon return is becoming more and more difficult. Some parts will not be in good enough condition and in these cases you will be contacted to search out alternate core parts. Parts must be capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 180 degrees and if the plastic is too soft and not made from the correct materials, it will warp or shrink.

Q. Can my parts be plated if they have been previously painted?

A. We can if the paint can be stripped in our cleaning process or alternatively, sanded to the core plastic.

Q. What can I use to clean my plated parts?

A. A mild soap cleaner, with no abrasives. Do not use any silicone based or ammonia products or it will cloud the surface over time.

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2/21/2009, 3:26 am Link to this post Send Email to Mr Tea   Send PM to Mr Tea ICQ AIM MSN
 


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