Silver-Look Powder Finish

Q. We are manufacturing furniture in Russia. One of our products is a metal chair with a powder coated finish. We are going to increase the range of products in this line and move into other markets with higher-end chairs at a higher price. These chairs must have a chrome finish or something that looks like chrome. My question is, could we find a powder technology with the appearance of chrome? Could we find a new, environmentally friendly solution for the chrome? Do you know any other solution to get the same appearance as bright chrome for furniture finish covering? O.I.

A. There are some powder materials that can achieve a silver look that is very close to the bright appearance of chrome. An organic powder-coated finish is slightly darker than a metal finish, but it is a very high-quality look. Most of the better suppliers have a silver or chrome powder that you could sample to see if it meets your needs. Ask the supplier for a “chrome powder.” Get some sample panels to see if it is good enough for your application. It will be just a little less bright, but a very nice finish that may work for you. I do not know of a less expensive or more environmentally friendly way to apply a chrome finish.