coatings

[StudeRich]

I think since it is not a Car, but just a driver Truck, it would look fine not being as shiny as an optional Chrome Bumper.

[57transtar guy]

Thanks for the info

This is my driver and I was originally looking for a chromer but the closest one is 200 miles away. I figured it was a good alternative because the headers, blowers and other items the company showed me looked impressive.

[jnormanh]

So I visited a shop today to get a quote to rechrome a bumper and they showed me their ceramic chrome coating... Looks amazing and they say is stronger.

I debated powder coating, chrome and now this. What have you done and are you happy?

Price for the ceramic chrome is 200 for the front bumper.

The ceramic chrome-look coatings have been around for a while now. They look nice, are reasonably durable, and cost half or less the cost of chrome plating. Some of the better powder coats are similar in appearance and durability, and cost even less.

It's silvery and fairly shiny, but put it side by side with chrome plating, and there's no comparison for specular reflectance, aka "sparkle".

I have no idea what they might mean by "stronger".. All of these coatings are only a few thousandths of an inch thick and therefore have little "strength". Maybe they mean it is more abrasion resistant. Ceramic is going to be more abrasion resistant than powder coat, and chrome more abrasion resistant than either.

Any of them will provide good corrosion resistance if done correctly.

I'm not sure how you would decide which to use. For a near show quality resto, only chrome will do the job. Anything else on a #1 or strong #2 car is going to be a big distraction. For a driver, maybe one of the others will suit you, but be prepared for some smart Alec to accuse you of using rattle-can aluminum paint.

[57transtar guy]

So I visited a shop today to get a quote to rechrome a bumper and they showed me their ceramic chrome coating... Looks amazing and they say is stronger.

I debated powder coating, chrome and now this. What have you done and are you happy?

Price for the ceramic chrome is 200 for the front bumper.