How Is Black Chrome Different From Bright Chrome?

Appearance in Finish

• The most obvious difference between black chrome and bright chrome is in the appearance of the finish that each gives the items to which it is applied. Bright chrome is the shiny, silver finish that most people are used to seeing on cars and motorcycles. Black chrome, however, describes a type of chrome that can have finished appearances ranging from a smoke-colored tone to an actual black color, although the look is still metallic.

Application Processes

• Bright chrome is typically applied to items through and electroplating process. Black chrome, though, is applied through a two-step dry method. First, a thin film of metal is deposited onto the item in a vacuum chamber. The application sticks because the metals are charged with static. Then, a finish coat of clear and colored tints is applied on top of the metals through the same static and vacuum process before being cured in an oven until all layers have melted to become one coating of black chrome.

Uses for Black Chrome

• Because of the dark pigments used in creating a black chrome finish, it is better at absorbing light and heat than bright chrome. This characteristic makes black chrome useful in solar applications, in addition to decorative applications, such as on vehicles and other metal bases.

Uses for Bright Chrome

• Because it is more reflective in appearance than black chrome and reflects light and heat, bright chrome is not a good candidate for solar projects or other uses requiring light absorption and heat reflection. Bright chrome is traditionally used in a decorative manner on things like car, truck and motorcycle parts, as well as emblems and some kitchen appliances.