Real-silver chrome, without electroplating.
Hydrochrome lays down a layer of real silver for a true mirror finish, then seals it with a protective top coat. We spray it onto sculptures, displays, components and much more, in classic silver or tinted colours, with a 48-hour express option.
- Real silver
- Mirror & tinted
- Protective top coat
- 48-hour express option
A true mirror finish, on almost anything.
Because Hydrochrome is sprayed rather than plated, it isn’t limited to metal parts that fit in a tank. We’ve chromed wood, glass, plastics, fibreglass, 3D prints, resin and metal, from small parts to large sculptures.
- Process
- Prep, base coat, real silver, optional tint, protective top coat
- Finish
- Mirror chrome or tinted chrome
- Materials
- Wood, glass, plastics, fibreglass, 3D prints, resin, metal
- Turnaround
- Typically 2–5 working days, 48-hour express option
Chrome in colour.
For coloured chrome, specialised tinted coatings go over the silver layer, so you keep the depth of a mirror finish with the warmth of gold, copper or rose, or a custom colour mixed for your project.
Ask about a tint
Gold
Warm, rich and classic.
Copper
Deeper, redder warmth.
Rose
Soft rose-gold tones.
Custom
Tinted to your reference.
Chrome for components, one-off or batch.
Caps, covers, trims, light fittings, housings and car parts, prepared and masked carefully so the chrome goes only where you want it, and finished to match across the whole batch.
- Plastics and metal prepared and primed so the finish bonds properly
- Masking for threads, fixings and faces that must stay clean
- Batches laid out and sprayed together for a consistent finish
- Car parts: tell us where the part goes and we’ll advise whether spray chrome suits it
Showpieces that catch the light.
Sculptures, art pieces, shop displays, props and signage, chromed in silver or a tint to suit the setting. Large and awkward shapes are no problem, and we can collect and deliver across London and the Home Counties.
- Sculptures
- Art installations
- Shop displays
- Props & signage
Need it fast? Ask about 48-hour express.
For deadlines, launches and events, our 48-hour express option gets suitable chrome jobs turned around quickly. Mention it when you enquire, with your quantities and date, and we’ll confirm what’s possible.
Five steps to a mirror finish.
The quality of a chrome finish is decided long before the silver goes on, so every stage is done carefully in our own booth.
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Step 1: Surface preparation
Every piece is cleaned and carefully prepared, and primed where it needs it, giving the finish the right foundation. Any area that must stay clean is masked now.
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Step 2: Base coat
A smooth, gloss base coat goes on next. It needs to be flawless, because the silver will mirror every detail of the surface underneath.
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Step 3: Real silver
A layer of real silver is deposited on the surface, building the true mirror finish without electroplating.
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Step 4: Tint, if you want colour
For coloured chrome, specialised tinted coatings go over the silver: gold, copper, rose or a custom colour.
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Step 5: Protective top coat
A protective top coat seals the finish to help it resist wear and UV. Each piece is then checked over before it goes back to you.
Stages 03–05 illustrated with finished Spray Yard pieces.
Chrome spraying questions.
What can you chrome?
We’ve chromed wood, glass, plastics, fibreglass, 3D prints, resin and metal, from sculptures and shop displays to components, light fittings and car parts.
Some surfaces need extra preparation or priming first, so the easiest way to check is to send us a photo and tell us what it’s made of.
How is Hydrochrome different from chrome plating?
Traditional chrome plating is an electroplating process that needs a metal part dipped in tanks. Hydrochrome is sprayed: a layer of real silver is deposited over a base coat and sealed with a top coat, so there’s no electroplating.
That makes it a flexible option for large or awkward shapes and non-metal materials, and it means we can offer tinted colours as well as classic silver chrome.
How durable is it, indoors and outdoors?
Every piece is sealed with a protective top coat that helps the finish resist wear and UV. Spray chrome is at its best on decorative and display pieces, and on parts that aren’t constantly handled or knocked.
For anything going outdoors, near heat, or into heavy daily use, please tell us how it will be used before we quote. How long the finish lasts depends on its exposure, and we’ll be honest if spray chrome isn’t the right choice for the job.
How long does it take?
It depends on the size, quantity and complexity of the job, but most chrome work takes between two and five working days from preparation to curing.
If you’re up against a deadline, ask about our 48-hour express option when you enquire and we’ll confirm whether your job can be turned around that quickly.
Can you match a specific colour of chrome?
Yes. As well as gold, copper and rose, we can tint chrome to a custom colour. Send us a reference photo or sample of the look you’re after and we’ll advise on the closest tint.
How do I get my parts to you?
You can drop them off at our workshop at Ferny Grove Farm Barns, Hawthorne Lane, Bracknell RG42 6HN, or we can collect and deliver across London and the Home Counties.
Further afield? Get in touch and we’ll talk through the best way to get your parts to us. Please clean off loose dirt and let us know about any parts that need to stay unpainted.
How should I look after a chrome finish?
We’ll give you care advice with your piece. As a rule, dust it with a soft cloth or wipe with a soft, damp microfibre cloth, and avoid abrasive cleaners, scourers and strong solvents.
Got something that should shine?
Send a photo, what it’s made of, the size and how many, and whether you’d like silver or a tint. We’ll come back with a fixed-price quote.