The PermaStar® Process...

Application 
Application of the PermaStar® finish consists of a patented, three-step process:

First a primer paint is applied as a base coat.
Second the substrate is placed into a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) vacuum chamber where our patented PermaStar® multi-step process is applied. In the chamber multiple layers of metals are applied to create a mirror-like finish that has all the quality of traditional show chrome without the use of hexavalent or trivalent chrome that pollute the environment. 
Finally, a clear coat is applied to protect and seal the finish.

 Advantages 
The versatility of the PermaStar® process allows it to be used with many different substrates. Different top clear coats can also be used to provide specific desirable properties, such as increased scratch resistance or more surface flexibility, to meet the special requirements of any part. The many advantages of the PermaStar® process include:

Up to a 75% reduction in coating costs over traditional chroming methods.
Uses no hazardous materials and produces no hazardous by-products when used with powder coatings, nearly eliminating waste management costs.
Requires very little to no mechanical polishing of the substrate, thereby reducing material costs and costs associated with labor and disposal of the hazardous waste residue from abrasives.
Outlasts traditional chrome in all environmental testing performed, thereby reducing replacement costs.
The color of the chrome coating can be changed inside the chamber (e.g., from traditional silver, to black, to chestnut and back to silver) with only the push of a button, thereby increasing line production and versatility.
Weighs up to 90% less than traditional chrome, an automotive wheel may have up to 2.5lbs. of chrome.
PermaStar® chrome can also be painted using traditional paint and graphics methods.

 

Midwest PVD Inc.​