Chrome plating question

[Cato]

Can a styrene part be partially plated by the pro platers?

Such as a bracket or strap molded onto an existing part like a generator or coil.

Or is plating the whole part then painting the the surrounding part the only way?

[Harry P.]

You'd have to have to apply some sort of coating that would "resist" the plating process, then somehow remove that coating once you got the plated parts back, then paint the unplated areas. Not sure if it's even possible to apply a coating that would A, resist the plating process, and B, be easily removable so you could paint the unplated parts.

Makes a whole lot more sense to just plate the whole part, then brush paint the areas not supposed to be plated.

[Cato]

Kind of what I figured Harry-thanks. I may just BMF the needed areas or Alclad.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Another way to do it would be paint a conductive coat on the area you want and then electroplate the part. The plating would only be where the conductive paint was applied.

Edited June 14, 2014 by bobthehobbyguy

[Cato]

Another way to do it would be paint a conductive coat on the area you want and then electroplate the part. The plating would only be where the conductive paint was applied.

Do you know if the platers can do this?

[Tom Geiger]

For small trim you can just BMF it in minutes. I've been meaning to try Alclad for a convertible windshield frame that's molded along with the body.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Do you know if the platers can do this?

Yes this is how they bronze baby shoes. The base paint contains copper which can be plated. I was looking at this process to be able to plate plastic parts with electroplating. It depends on what you are plating and what finish you want.

[Cato]

Thank you Bob.

[bobthehobbyguy]

Glad I could help.

[Len Woodruff]

I think Trumpeter did this with the 63 Nova kits. It is really hard and has a better finish than the Vacuum plated parts.