How to tell chrome from stainless steel?

In summary, stainless steel is not magnetic, chrome is highly polished and smooth to a mirror finish, and has a light color. Steel and stainless are very light blueish (hard to see), is more matte as it cannot reflect light as good as chorme.
  • #1
ramonegumpert
187
0
Dear Experts, :smile:

Sorry if this post is created in the wrong forum.

I am not sure how to tell if a metal is chrome plated or stainless steel.
Is there a simple way to tell?

Thank you for reading.

sincerely
Ramone
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hit it with a hammer - chrome falls off
 
  • #3
You could also compare its density to one of the metals.
 
  • #4
Chrome is highly polished and smooth to a mirror finish. Stainless is slightly dull in comparison and if machined, will show machining marks in the surface. Austenitic stainless is also non-magnetic. Chrome isn't magnetic but the metal substrate generally is.
 
  • #5
This is a test used on barbeques to determine if it's really SS or merely plated steel.

Steel is magnetic; SS is not.
 
  • #6
Chrome is passive to most chemical corrosives or agents, Cu So4 being a good one to tell steel from chrome, as steel reacts and deposits copper on the surface.

Stainless does not react though. So the magnetic test should be used for SS and Chromeplating. As said above Stainless isn't magnetic.

If scrached Chrome plating will reveal a thin layer of copper that is usually needed for better adhesion.

Chrome is usually of mirror polish, can be rough, and has a light color.
Steel and Stainless is very light blueish (hard to see), is more matte as it cannot reflect light as good as chorme.
 
  • #7
Just a clarification, it's only (fully annealed) austenitic stainless steels that aren't magnetic.
http://www.mceproducts.com/knowledge-base/article/article-dtl.asp?id=18
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #8
Chrome incredibly expensive. If a surface is chrome-plated, it generally has a magnetic substrate. Nothing very large is solid chrome.

Reminds me of the old Retief and the Warlords series, in which minor dignitaries on far-off planets had desks made of solid rhodium, etc. Keith Laumer was a very tongue-in-cheek writer, but entertaining as hell.
 
  • #9
Q_Goest said:
Just a clarification, it's only (fully annealed) austenitic stainless steels that aren't magnetic.
http://www.mceproducts.com/knowledge-base/article/article-dtl.asp?id=18

Most stainless found is austenitic as it is alloyed with nichel.
Ferritic is alloyed with chrome, and therefore expnsive.
Martensitic and self hardening is with Manganese.

All of the above are exemples and not the only variants, V W Cr Co Mn Ni Al, and a lot more can get into alloys, with different properties.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

1. How do I visually tell the difference between chrome and stainless steel?

Chrome and stainless steel can often look very similar, but there are a few key differences that can help you tell them apart. Stainless steel typically has a duller, matte finish, while chrome has a brighter, more reflective surface. Additionally, stainless steel may have a slightly warmer or yellowish tint, while chrome tends to have a cooler, bluish tint. You can also use a magnet to test for stainless steel - it will not stick to the surface, while it will stick to chrome.

2. What is the main difference between chrome and stainless steel?

The main difference between chrome and stainless steel is their composition. Chrome is a type of metal plating, where a thin layer of chromium is applied to the surface of another metal, typically steel. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is an alloy made up of various metals, including chromium, nickel, and iron. This makes stainless steel more durable and resistant to corrosion than chrome.

3. Can I use the same cleaning methods for chrome and stainless steel?

No, it is important to use different cleaning methods for chrome and stainless steel. Chrome is more susceptible to scratching and damage from harsh chemicals, so it is best to use a mild soap and water solution to clean it. Stainless steel, on the other hand, can withstand more abrasive cleaners, but it is still important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers to prevent scratching the surface.

4. Is there a price difference between chrome and stainless steel?

Yes, there is typically a price difference between chrome and stainless steel. Chrome plating can be a more expensive process, so products with a chrome finish may be more expensive than those made from stainless steel. Additionally, stainless steel is a more durable and long-lasting material, so it may be a better investment in the long run.

5. Can I paint over chrome or stainless steel?

Yes, both chrome and stainless steel can be painted over, but it is important to use the correct type of paint for each material. Chrome can be painted over with a special chrome paint, while stainless steel can be painted with a high-quality metal paint. It is important to properly prepare the surface and follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.

Similar threads

  • Materials and Chemical Engineering
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Chemistry
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • General Discussion
Replies
1
Views
395
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Mechanical Engineering
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • General Engineering
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Back
Top