I'm not sure where this thread belongs so here goes. I'm thinking about re painting my steel marinoni. My right chainstay, rear droupouts and front deraileur braze on appear to be chromed. Does anyone know if it's actual chrome or just chrome paint. Does sandblasting damage chrome?

It's most likely to be chrome and, yes, sandblasting will damage chrome. However , this can be avoided by masking the chrome parts before sand blasting.

Really curious... how does one exactly "mask" parts and don't want to be sandblasted?

Masking tape is used to cover the part that should not be sandblasted. Some frames are totally chromed then masking tape is used before the frame is painted. Some interesting effects can be created.
This is my Thorn Nemesis with what is called a "cue handle" effect.

https://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...reducednem.jpg

I like the custom job on that bike. Its very well done.

Actually sandblast media will destroy masking tape. Dad owned a machine shop, they always used duct tape.

-R

Use masking tape first, then put the duct tape over it. The duct tape is tough enough to survive the blasting, masking tape underneath helps you get it off the frame MUCH easier. There are special tapes for this use though.

I believe most people are recommending other forms of media blasting, like plastic and walnut instead of sand these days.

If the whole thing is chrome under paint, make sure you read up and/or find someone experienced with getting it to stick well.

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'll go with a paintshop that uses chemical solvents to strip paint.

I love the effect on that paint over chrome bike. Very nice.

I was much taken by the fully chromed French cyclotouring bikes in Jan Heine's book. But a framebuilder at LBS said good chrome is increasingly hard to find. Looking around at cars, they don't use much chrome these days.

If I want to, is it still possible to get a frame fully chromed?

Zane

Some framebuilders in the UK will do it I'm sure but I'm not sure about the US. Keep in mind that it does increase the weight of the frame.

If you know you'll chrome the frame can you use slightly thinner tubing to compensate? Does the chrome contribute to the strength of the frame at all?

Anyway, weight's never my primary concern.

Zane