Subject: Re: [CR]Chromovelato
Joe wrote:
> What ever the black (brownish) chrome finish was on an Austro-Daimler
> Vent Noir, it wasn't delicate. AD had access to Steyr-Daimler-Puch's
> tough military finish technology and it shows.
I am certain the finish was black chrome (chrome subjected to a black oxidizing bath). It is a very durable but can be scratched. Similar to gun bluing.
For one of my custom frames the customer insisted on a black chrome finish and we were able to find a local plater who could do it. Quite stunning!
BTW, my first Cinelli was "candy apple red" which was chrome with transparent red over the top. Even the fenders supplied to me by Cinelli had the same finish.
Unfortunately such finishes tend to chip and scratch easily because the paint has been applied to the very slick polished chrome surface.
Hugh Enox
La Honda