First real alternative to classic chrome surfaces

WB Coatings Chrom-Lack Application Sample (Image source: WB coatings)

Silver-white shining surfaces without the use of chrome? Since the market readiness of its new chrome paint, WB coatings confidently answers this question with "Yes". Visually and physically, a trio of primer, base coat, and clear coat achieves results that more than meet the high demands of design, architecture, and industry. Easy and quick to apply, WB coatings offers a product with which the upcoming elimination of Chromium (VI) can be confidently compensated.

Many industrial sectors have literally been waiting for this: The mention is of a coating process that replaces the conventional vapor deposition of plastic surfaces with aluminum or chrome. The impending ban from September 2017 on Chromium (VI)-containing compounds, which the European Chemicals Agency had already classified as carcinogenic and mutagenic in 2013, made the search for a satisfactory alternative more urgent than ever. WB coatings has now succeeded in developing a paint whose processing results visually resemble chrome surfaces very closely.

The results of extensive tests – including scratch resistance, saliva and sweat resistance, chemical and cream durability – were consistently positive. Following initial presentations, industry representatives also confirmed top marks for the new chrome paint.

The simple processing of primer (WB Chrome Star Primer), base coat (WB Chrome Star Base), and clear coat (WB Chrome Star Topcoat) also offers cost-effective advantages over previously elaborate vapor deposition methods: Since the three coordinated two-component systems are applied with standard spray systems. A translucent additive allows for colored surface designs with equally brilliant effects. For example, the frequently used black chrome in design objects can be convincingly mimicked.

To enable product designers and architects, including those from the fields of consumer electronics, medical technology, trade fair and retail construction, advertising technology, and soon automotive, to consider the use of spot chrome effects without hesitation, WB coatings allows orders starting from just one kilogram.