Question about Salvinos stock car models

[Monty]

I was watching a YouTube review/build of the Salvinos Dodge stock car and was curious what the reviewer meant when he said "This company uses real metal chrome". 

The chrome does look very nice, but it made me wonder what the difference was between the process they use and the vacuum plated (aluminized?) "chrome" most other models come with.

[peteski]

The vacuum metalizing (using aluminum) has been used to represent "chrome" on plastic models for many decades.  That "chrome" is not very durable, but it is not really required for models that don't get handles a lot, or otherwise abused (usually just displayed).  The vacuum metalizing process is simple, thus fairly inexpensive.  Also, since the metal layer is extremely thin, it is easily removed on the gluing surfaces, or stripped chemically if needed.

But some companies (Trumpeter is one of them, and now it sounds like Salvinos too), seem to use electroplating process which results in a layer of real Chromium (or similar metal) deposited on the plastic surfaces.  The metal layer is relatively thick, and very hard (much harder than the plastic substrate).  It is also very difficult to scrape off, and pretty much impossible to strip.  This type of process is used on 1:1 car parts where they will be exposed to handling (like door handles) and weather.  It is really an overkill for model cars.

The electroplating process is also more complex, and uses some dangerous and toxic chemicals.  I really don't  know why some model companies decided to use it on model car parts.  It might be a "real Chrome" but that IMO is not really what is optimal for our miniature models.

[Fat Brian]

Salvinos plating is noticeably different than the other manufacturers but I don't know what causes the difference, whether it's process or materials or both. It doesn't seem to be magnetic though, at least in my kits.

[Mark]

Both the materials and process are different.  Why Salvino had to reinvent the wheel by doing the plating this way is beyond me, Trumpeter did it that way too and it didn't help them.

[TonyK]

The chrome is really nice but a real bear to try and scrape off.