Chrome plated

Surface finish

Chrome creates a hard, glossy surface with good abrasion resistance. Nickel is present in the underlayer, not on the surface. Verify suitability for allergy-prone skin.

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Products: Chrome plated, Saddlery Hardware

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How chrome plating is made

Classic electroplating: copper, nickel, and on top a thin layer of chrome. Nickel stays in the underlayer, chrome is on the surface.

What it gives the product

A mirror-bright silver shine and a hard, abrasion-resistant surface. It's the most widely used finish for glossy hardware.

When to choose it and when not to

The standard for everyday products: buckles, snap hooks, keepers. Worn edges can expose the nickel underlayer; for a confirmed nickel allergy, recommend stainless steel or matte black instead.

How it ages

The shine lasts for years; fingerprints show up on it more than on a matte finish.

What it pairs with

Everything. Chrome is colour-neutral. Its darker relative is black chrome.

  • Look

    Glossy silver

    Mirror-like or highly glossy silver surface with strong reflections. Fingerprints and minor scratches are more visible than on a matte surface.

  • Abrasion resistance

    High

    Designed for daily use with frequent contact against straps, snaps or other hard surfaces. Visible wear develops more slowly than in the lower resistance classes.

  • Corrosion protection

    Outdoor exposure

    Protects the underlying material during typical outdoor exposure to rain, dew and occasional wetting. It may not be sufficient for permanently wet environments.

  • Nickel

    Yes, in interlayer

    Nickel is present in an intermediate layer rather than at the surface. If the top layer wears through, nickel may become exposed and come into contact with skin.

    Nickel release test (abrasion method PN 93 0021, AZL Otrokovice testing laboratory): pass, within the limit of 0.5 µg/cm² per week used by EU regulation. test report (PDF, in Czech)

Damp conditions Outdoor use Suitable for typical outdoor exposure to rain, mud, moisture and sweat. Follow any care requirements of the base material and the complete product.
Aging Slow change Retains its colour, gloss and surface structure with normal use. Any visible change develops more slowly than with finishes in the other ageing classes.
Process Galvanic Metal layer applied by electric current in a bath. An even, thin and well-adhered coating: the most widespread method for surface finishing of metal parts.