A tech session held at Zenith Electroplating in Burnside was attended by roughly 30 members, along with a few customers who just happened to be there.
What an education! Now, we all probably have a better understanding why re-chroming costs as much as it does. It's actually a bargain considering the work involved. Our hosts and Zenith owners Millie Lyons and Leonard Hartlin (brother and sister) showed us the workings of their shop. They purchased the business 4 years ago and in that time anyone that has used their services will agree that the quality and finish the end product is of a high quality. Leonard has been working in that very shop for 44 years and certainly knows the 'art' of metal restoration and refinishing. The many services they offer were explained, many more than most people attending realized. A small demonstration on a damaged piece of stainless steel trim was done; showed how dents can be removed as well as showing how high speed polishing can bring out an extremely high shine, at least equal to chrome, if not greater. Leonard freely answered questions as he explained the various process.
So whether you need metal trim repairs, re-chroming, high speed polishing, gold or brass plating, sand blasting, paint stripping, or highly polished stainless steel bumper bolts you now have a local source. Nice people and I believe; quality, honest results for any work you bring to them.
For those who stayed to the end of the tech session; upon leaving, received a generous discount coupon for any of the services offered by Zenith. An afternoon well spent!
Lots of great information being given out by Leonard Hartlin.
Parts in the process of being re-plated.
Leonard Hartlin with Joe Small and Pat Connolly
Examples of finished plating.