Chrome itself rarely rusts.
So, "chrome rust" is actually a condition where rust has formed on the base material.


Cause1. Storage Conditions
It is important to minimize moisture on the product surface:
・Store in a well-ventilated area
・Use desiccants or anti-corrosion paper
・Avoid sealing in plastic bags to prevent condensation
・Even if not in use, periodically move or rotate the product
Areas in contact or facing downward tend to trap moisture and are more prone to rust


Cause2. Creaning
Proper cleaning is essential to maintain the surface condition:
・Do not leave dirt or contaminants on the surface
・Use clean water for washing
・After cleaning, remove any remaining moisture
Residual water can cause corrosion, stains, or spotting
・If organic solvents are used, ensure they are completely removed
Some solvents may transform into corrosive substances depending on conditions


Cause3. Microcracks
Standard hard chrome plating contains micro cracks that are invisible to the naked eye. Corrosive agents such as moisture and corrosive gases can sometimes penetrate through microcracks.



[If Corrosion Occurs]
Early re-plating is recommended.
Chrome plating itself is highly corrosion-resistant.
If rust appears, it is usually a sign that the base material is corroding.
If corrosion progresses, repair costs will increase.



[Corrosion-Resistant Treatment]
1. Ultra-High-Hardness Chrome Plating “CHROAMOR”
Chroamor does not have cracks and can be hardened to HV1800 through heat treatment at temperatures ranging from 200°C to 600°C.
https://www.otec-kk.co.jp/english/surface/03.html

2. Double Layer Chrome Plating
Cracks are interrupted at the interface between layers.
Prevents penetration to the base material.

3.High Corrosion-Resistant Chrome Plating “CHROSTON"
Chroston has a special crystal structure that does not cause cracks or pinholes.

4. "Hybrid Chrome Plating – Superior Corrosion Resistance Beyond Ni-Cr Plating
Glass-based inorganic material is impregnated into the cracks of the chrome plating.
This compensates for the weak points of hard chrome plating.
https://www.otec-kk.co.jp/hard-chrome-plating/hybrid/

5.Fine Microcrack Plating “Chro-Fine”
Since the cracks are finer than in standard chrome plating, corrosion is dispersed and does not concentrate in a single point
https://www.otec-kk.co.jp/hard-chrome-plating/chrofine/

6. Dry Buffing Treatment
Cracks are flattened and sealed. Wet buffing is effective, but dry buffing is superior.

7.Increased Plating Thickness
This buys time before corrosion reaches the base metal.

8.Dual-layer plating with nickel / Ni-Cr plating
This prevents cracks from reaching the base metal.




---------------
Otec Co., Ltd. is a specialist in hard chrome plating, with over 60 years of history.
We provide fully integrated production — from roll manufacturing, plating, to finishing.

Otec Co., Ltd.
3-1-40 Imafukuhigashi, Joto-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
536-0002 Japan
Tel ：81-6-6939-4591
Fax ：81-6-6939-1503

Website: https://www.otec-kk.co.jp/english/
Technical site: https://otec-kk.info/
Blog: https://blog.otec-kk.co.jp/