Reduced Ion Electroless Nickel
Published

Hazy Decorative Chrome

Why do some of our larger parts appear to have a hazy finish when our smaller racked parts do not?

Share

Question

When I plate larger parts, such as restoring auto bumpers, the parts appear to have a hazy finish, particularly in the central portions of the part. I do not have this problem when I plate smaller racked parts. What is going on?

Answer

What you are observing is often called "whitewash." This can be caused by a number of different things. Since you mentioned that the problem seems to appear only with larger parts, I think the cause is change in the current density and temperature of the plating bath when the part is placed in the bath.

It is important that the part should be at or near the temperature of the plating bath. The current density should be adjusted to compensate for the larger surface area of the part. You should also investigate how electrical contact is made with the part. For example, in a part like a bumper, you may require more than a single electrical contact.

Related Content

  • Nanotechnology Start-up Develops Gold Plating Replacement

    Ag-Nano System LLC introduces a new method of electroplating based on golden silver nanoparticles aimed at replacing gold plating used in electrical circuits.

  • Trivalent Chrome Overview

    As the finishing industry begins to move away from the use of hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium, what factors should finishers consider as they make new investments? Mark Schario, chief technology officer for Columbia Chemical offers a helpful overview of this complicated topic.

  • How to Maximize Nickel Plating Performance

    The advantages of boric acid-free nickel plating include allowing manufacturers who utilize nickel plating to keep up the ever-changing regulatory policies and support sustainability efforts.

Rectifiers for the Plating Industry
Hitachi High-Tech FT200 series
KCH Engineered Systems
Reduced Ion Electroless Nickel
Luster-On Products
FISCHERSCOPE® XAN® LIQUID ANALYZER
In-Place Repairs for Canning Presses
Pretreatment Washer and Finishing Equipment
Rectifiers for the Plating Industry