Chrome

Chrome is used both for decorative and functional coatings, whereby chrome is usually not used as a pure chrome coating, but in a layered system with other metals. Most of these systems are based on copper-nickel or duplex layers (usually nickel, semi-bright and bright nickel). By choosing different layer thicknesses and base materials, different degrees of hardness, corrosion and wear properties can be achieved. The classic chrome coating has a silvery shiny appearance. Depending on the lower layers, different degrees of gloss and matte can be achieved. These surfaces, known as matte chrome for example, are not produced by the chrome, but by the velour nickel coating underneath. 

Alternatively, matte chrome coatings can be created by brushing or micro-polishing. This treatment results in technically high-quality surfaces as well as attractive surfaces with a stainless steel character.

Chrome coatings can have different properties and colors due to different chromium electrolytes. This is achieved through classic chromium-VI processes as well as new chromium-III processes, in which the surface, for example, is provided with a high-quality black optic (WICROM^® Black).