need some inspiration chromed vintage bike
08-17-20, 02:52 AM
#1
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need some inspiration chromed vintage bike
hi i want to repaint my vintage steel bike with chrome. can anyone share the pic of the bike? and what is the best color combination for the bike with chrome
08-17-20, 07:00 AM
#2
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Be aware you cannot paint a bike with chrome. Chroming is a process that can be expensive if done right. AFA color combos, take a look at pics of chrome bikes and see what appeals to you. Chrome goes with just about anything. What do you like?
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08-18-20, 01:00 AM
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Chrome paint doesn't look much like actual chrome, if you really want to know. 
You might get a nice silver (or more likely) pewter effect, but beyond that, prepare for disappointment.
Finishing with actual chrome plating is another story, as Lynn mentioned above.
You might get a nice silver (or more likely) pewter effect, but beyond that, prepare for disappointment.
Finishing with actual chrome plating is another story, as Lynn mentioned above.
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● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
● 1971 Grandis SL ● 1972 Lambert Grand Prix frankenbike ● 1972 Raleigh Super Course fixie ● 1973 Nishiki Semi-Pro ● 1979 Motobecane Grand Jubile ●1980 Apollo "Legnano" ● 1984 Peugeot Vagabond ● 1985 Shogun Prairie Breaker ● 1986 Merckx Super Corsa ● 1987 Schwinn Tempo ● 1988 Schwinn Voyageur ● 1989 Bottechia Team ADR replica ● 1990 Cannondale ST600 ● 1993 Technium RT600 ● 1996 Kona Lava Dome ●
08-18-20, 01:02 AM
#6
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A few members here have chrome Schwinns with red lettering. They look amazing. Here's one. https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...paramount.html
You can do a forum search using google and find more examples. Use this in the search bar: site:https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/ chrome paramount
You can do a forum search using google and find more examples. Use this in the search bar: site:https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/ chrome paramount
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08-18-20, 02:29 AM
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Chrome paint does not look like actual chrome. More so if the chrome paint is close to actual chrome plating. Personally, I would never use it. Here is an example of chrome paint next to real chrome...
However, if a chrome plated bike is what blows your kilt up, and you want some inspiration, here is a bike or two that I have been lucky enough to build up...
However, all chrome is not always the way to go. A bit of paint, added with care, can actually emphasize the chrome plating, in my opinion...
However, if a chrome plated bike is what blows your kilt up, and you want some inspiration, here is a bike or two that I have been lucky enough to build up...
However, all chrome is not always the way to go. A bit of paint, added with care, can actually emphasize the chrome plating, in my opinion...
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08-18-20, 04:33 AM
#8
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Chromium paint is made from vacuum-metalized aluminum pigment in solvent-based clear paint resin. It is a non-match for chromium plating even if the surface quality of the prepared surface is nearly perfect.
It looks like bright metallic aluminum paint when used for touch-up purposes, polished aluminum when used on steel or aluminum with proper preparation.
The only true substitute for chrome is chrome - or more specifically, two layers of copper, two layers of nickel, and a final layer of hexavalent chromium. As with paint, surface preparation is vital.
It looks like bright metallic aluminum paint when used for touch-up purposes, polished aluminum when used on steel or aluminum with proper preparation.
The only true substitute for chrome is chrome - or more specifically, two layers of copper, two layers of nickel, and a final layer of hexavalent chromium. As with paint, surface preparation is vital.
08-18-20, 03:58 PM
#9
Full Member
I think what the OP is saying is that he has a bike with chrome, that he would like to paint. I think he is asking for suggestions as to what color combinations work best for a chromed bike.
Personally, I would suggest the OP's favorite color paint, on top of the chromed frame, and go from there. As @randyjawa suggested, a bit of paint on the frame will highlight and emphasize the chrome plating.
aceves
Personally, I would suggest the OP's favorite color paint, on top of the chromed frame, and go from there. As @randyjawa suggested, a bit of paint on the frame will highlight and emphasize the chrome plating.
aceves
08-18-20, 04:16 PM
#10
Junior Member
Out of curiousity, is or was Nickel plating ever used as an alternative to chrome?
08-18-20, 07:17 PM
#12
Newbie
im redoing my 79 raleigh i had the chrome fork and frame sand blasted as fork was rusted and pitted i just repainted with metalic rustoleum which looks good enough for me i cant post pics as yet - when i had some motorcycle parts chromed years ago nickle was plated then chrome on top of that the nickle had a duller finish the chrome had a briter almost blueish tint to it - like they say chrome wont get you home but youll look good pushing
08-18-20, 08:50 PM
#14
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08-21-20, 10:27 AM
#15
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i get the point. so the spray paint chrome result cannot match the actual chrome. i think I will only chrome the lug part.
08-24-20, 01:59 PM
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Nickel plating was the precursor to chrome plating for bright, plated finishes. Chrome plating didn't become commercially viable until the very late 1920s. Most bicycle manufactured introduced chrome plating sometime during the 1930s. Prior to that, they would have used nickel plating.
08-25-20, 06:42 AM
#19
GranSport70
The bicycle is a rare 1968, Raleigh, Chromed Gran(d) Sport, I have two of them. I rode one from S Miami to San Fransisco via Boulder in 1972 with my friend, Bill Metcalf. He rode a Raleigh International. My bike was stolen in 1974. I found it 39 years later. The model was pictured in their 1970 catalog, only a few distributed to select Dealers in 1968 but never mass produced. I purchased the one pictured, in showroom condition, earlier this year.
Last edited by GranSport70; 09-07-20 at 01:04 AM.
