In cases where a larger area needs to be fixed it's also possible to use lead. But yet again, one uses lead because it's soft and easy to work with, even softer than brass or bronze. When chroming over lead, an even bigger coat of copper needs to be built up, which means the price will go up that much more. If you're in a situation where you know a filler metal is going to have to be used it's a good idea to contact your local chrome shop beforehand, they may be able to help you out with some tips, suggestions and alternative options that may lower the overall cost. Bill and Joe at MJB are more than willing to help customers reach a solution, which could save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Hopefully by now you have a better understanding of what chrome is, and how shops go about it. If nothing else, we at least hope you now have an understanding of why getting items chromed can be quite the pretty penny! Like all finish work, it's a tedious job that requires the proper steps and that's the bottom line.
Here is the grille in the...
Here is the grille in the freshly polished copper stage. When it comes to polishing copper, the chrome shop can actually "move" the copper to troublesome areas to help alleviate the problem, this process is called copper mushing...
...Even after Joe worked some...
...Even after Joe worked some troublesome areas on my pieces, there were still a few pin holes, which means it's back to the tank.
In the end MJB got the situation...
In the end MJB got the situation handled, and the grille turned out great. However, it was a long time coming, due to the fact we were fighting my mistakes along the way. If you're getting ready to embark on something of this nature, I would strongly suggest giving either Bill or Joe a call. It may be the most important call you ever make ... or at least in terms of getting your items chromed!