I have a Sig P-226 and had the frame Hard Chromed,and found that the Chrome was flaking off at the rails.

Sent it back to the finisher and they stated they could not apply the chrome again and would have to anodize it. Just got it back the other day and am not at all happy with the results. Blotchy looking, scratches, and some of the black is rubbing off.

Does anyone know if I can have this anodized again? Or Hard Chromed? I understand that the aluminium can only plated so many times before it loses it's strength.
Any help greatly appreciated.

Yeah, you might want to look for a new P226.

SIG doesn't re-annodize and very few others do as I know it.

Just too hard / not enough demand / etc / etc.

I was not aware that aluminum frames could be hard chromed. Virgil Tripp wouldn’t do it, anyway.

At this point, I might be tempted to send it to CCR and see what they recommend.

There are a few out there that will do it, but my main concern is the integrity of the frame breaking down.

Who is CCR?

quote:

Originally posted by arfmel:
I was not aware that aluminum frames could be hard chromed. Virgil Tripp wouldn’t do it, anyway.

At this point, I might be tempted to send it to CCR and see what they recommend.

Just learned that Metal Finishers of Atlanta does excellent job on re-anodizing alloy frame. Might want to check them out, if you want to go that direction.

My want to try Robar, NP3 finish is phenomenal.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

An alloy frame can be hard chromed...sort of. You first have to apply electroless nickel then hard chrome over the nickel. To do that the factory anodizing needs to be stripped off which I don’t recommend. I have seen Beretta frames that Allegheny Gun Works has had re-anodized and they look fantastic. I don’t think he does it in house but might be able to tell you who he sends them to.

Had one HC'd by APW, if done properly, it should not flake.

quote:

Originally posted by stoic-one:
Had one HC'd by APW, if done properly, it should not flake.

Yep. Same here. AP&W circa 1996 hardchromed 228 with no flaking.



Beware the bumper chrome bandits

I have had some of my Sig's chromed by APW in the past. He does first class work.
On this particular Sig I had someone else Chrome the frame and found it to be flaking at the rails.
I sent it back and they stated that they would have to anodize it as the Chrome probably would not hold.
Not happy with the Anodizing I am now wondering what the next step would be as I have been told that you cannot reanodize a frame.
I know I should have stayed APW, but what is done is done. Just looking to get this frame right.

Talk to Josh at AAGW. He reanodized an Inox Beretta 92 for me that had turned black on the back strap due to hand salts (came to me that way).

The vendor he uses does a better job than factory ano and it was only $140 or so

Thanks. Who is AAGW? Where are they located?

PGT - Greetings - AAGW re-anodized it in clear, or did it have to be black? Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by jhkunkel:
Thanks. Who is AAGW? Where are they located?

I believe PGT is referring to Allegheny Arms & Gun Works. They're in Bethel Park, PA

Thank You. I appreciate the info.

I prefer it to be black with a soft sheen. Am I asking for too much?

Re-anodizing an aluminum frame is a very hard process.
I believe EGW used to do it too, until the heat process (Or however it works) actually melted 4 frames, including a Ted Yost frame.

It stands the chance of destroying the frame, if not done correctly.