[CR]chromovelato and black chrome

(Example: Framebuilders)

Date: Tue, 30 Aug 2005 21:03:42 -0700
From: "Edward Litton" <edlitton@earthlink.net>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
References: <MONKEYFOODtV8lu7HqT000024bf@monkeyfood.nt.phred.org>
Subject: [CR]chromovelato and black chrome

Chromovelato (I have no idea how to spell it) is, indeed, a transparent color coat of paint sprayed over a polished, chrome plated surface...very prone to chipping as there is generally very poor adhesion of paint to a polished chrome surface.

As to the Bianchi Centenario, (and also the Argentin era team and replica) frames...it is similar, but different...they are what is called "smoked " chrome...smoke applied over polished chrome, then it is clear coated....they are not black chrome, ( this is why the finish is fragile, as Chuck noticed). Black chrome is actually pretty durable if done correctly....much more so than the "smoke" finish which is easier and much less expensive to create and looks very similar.

Ed Litton El Cerrito, Ca

Doing Bianchi USA repairs and warranty work since 1983.