How to "age" hard chrome parts

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Wayne B.
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How to "age" hard chrome parts

Post by Wayne B. »

I am working on a couple old reels that are missing some screws. I have newer hard chrome screws that fit and look right, but the chrome is way too shiney. Any way to age these screws? I have tried vinegar and water, but it doesn't seem to make a dent in the newer hard chrome. Suggestions very welcome!
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scottorock
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Re: How to "age" hard chrome parts

Post by scottorock »

Rock tumbler with dirt/gravel as the medium? Don't know, I spend all my time in the opposite direction.
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Midway Tommy D
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Re: How to "age" hard chrome parts

Post by Midway Tommy D »

Sometimes lacquer thinner or acetone will leave a dull looking cloudy residue after a lengthy soak. It usually will polish off if you want them shiny, though.

Tom
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OCauto
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Re: How to "age" hard chrome parts

Post by OCauto »

Good Chrome neither "ages" nor "oxidizes" (or sulphadizes) for that matter.

Scuff it up with 000 or 0000 steel wool and let it soak in salt water with a nine volt battery for awhile. try it with one screw as a test .
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Brian F.
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Re: How to "age" hard chrome parts

Post by Brian F. »

Maybe what you really want are german silver screws. Some of the members make them if you provide an example.
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Wayne B.
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Re: How to "age" hard chrome parts

Post by Wayne B. »

Brian:

German silver would be too much class for the reel I'm working on which is an old Coxe Buccaneer. I'm probably just going to try the "find an old beater" route to find a couple screws. I have plenty of old Penn screws but their heads are a little thicker and won't tighten flush with the plate.

Thanks for the other suggestions, as well.
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Re: How to "age" hard chrome parts

Post by Harry Verdurchi »

Wayne B. wrote:I am working on a couple old reels that are missing some screws. I have newer hard chrome screws that fit and look right, but the chrome is way too shiney. Any way to age these screws? I have tried vinegar and water, but it doesn't seem to make a dent in the newer hard chrome. Suggestions very welcome!
A propane torch will fade the shine and lustre of any Chrome finish as well as a drop of Sulphuric (Battery) Acid.
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Wayne B.
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Re: How to "age" hard chrome parts

Post by Wayne B. »

I'll try that...thanks!
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stidog
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Re: How to "age" hard chrome parts

Post by stidog »

I know I have a couple parts H-I and Pflueger ocean reels, would the screws fit? And a Coxe is never a beater!!!!!!
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Wayne B.
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Re: How to "age" hard chrome parts

Post by Wayne B. »

Thanks Larry. I think I have what I need.
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