Is it possible to re-plate a light fixture from brass to chrome?
Hi brownstoners, My husband and I found a wonderful light fixture at one of the antique shops on Bedford for dirt cheap but it is brass and we would like it to be chrome. Is it possible to have the fixture re-plated or refinished so it is chrome? The fittings are unique so we cannot…
Hi brownstoners,
My husband and I found a wonderful light fixture at one of the antique shops on Bedford for dirt cheap but it is brass and we would like it to be chrome. Is it possible to have the fixture re-plated or refinished so it is chrome? The fittings are unique so we cannot replace them. Does anyone have a recommendation and an idea of cost?
Thanks guys.
Brass is a very good substrate for chrome plating. I have two old word war II floating hospital surgery lights that I had chromed by hygrade plating in queens. It was about 8 years ago, so don’t know that they are still there, but they were in long island city and were a pleasure to deal with. They gave a quote from a picture that was pretty accurate. I did disassemble all of the pieces, but i needed to to rewire the light and refurbish the other pieces.
Over the past 40 years, I’ve had a lot of antique auto and boat parts rechromed. yes, it used to be cheap and the places were plentiful. Recently I had a rimlock plated nickel and had it done at Chelsea Plating in Philadelphia. They specialize in lamps, small items, and retinning copper pots. Give them a call. You’re also likely to find people who specialize in lamp parts if you search the internet for lamp restoration. Most platers don’t want to deal with dissassembly but I know Chelsea will as will those who specialize in lamp restoration…who most likely send out the actual plating. Give Chelsea a call and see what they say. I’d be happy to deliver your parts if you go with them. I suspect they will be cheaper than anyone in the NYC area.
http://www.chelseaplating.com/
Wilco Finishing in Bushwick does mostly car parts but I had them dip some Eames sofa legs about 6 years ago. I paid around $350. If you ask them to piggy back the dip off of another larger job (what they will do anyway, but not tell you) you can likely get a cheaper quote.
Look for a bumper rechroming company. You are most likly going to have to deliver it in all separate pieces. Expect to be shocked. There is a company that can spray chrome. http://www.goldtouchinc.com/cosmichrome/ is one.
Since the EPA cracked down on the disposal of the chemicals used in re-chroming, it’s gotten pretty expensive. Most places are going to want you to disassemble the light before you send it to them. I’m sure you could find a place out there that will take it apart, but you’ll probably pay additional for the service.
Because of the polishing involved, intricate parts tend to be more expensive to chrome. For a mid-sized chandelier, four or five arms, assuming a decent amount of nooks, and cranny’s, you’re probably looking at around $450, but it’s been a long time since I had anything replated, so that guestimate is not much more than an educated guess.
The big problem is that chrome really, really shows imperfections, so you need to go with a reputable shop that’s really going to polish and not cut corners. Nickle or silver are both a lot more forgiving, and unless the piece is deco, or 50’s or later, probably more age appropriate. The cost will be around the same, possibly a bit less due to less prep work.
I once new someone who took all of the chrome fittings off his boat and had them sent out to be rechromed. I think they were brass underneath, he just wanted them rechromed to look new. Check google. My thinking is the place that did this was out on Long Island someplace, so yes, it can be done; I have no idea of the cost.
Steve