Have you ever wanted to add some bling to your LEGO creations? LEGO has a nice but limited selection of chrome elements in chrome-gold, chrome-silver, chrome-antique-brass, chrome-black, chrome-blue, chrome-green and chrome-pink.
But what if you would like to have other elements in chrome besides the ones LEGO offers? Did you know there are several shops that offer custom chromed LEGO elements? The chromers listed below use professional chroming methods to ad that blinding bling to your LEGO creations!
➡ ChromeBricks.com is based in Germany and offers beautiful chrome-gold, chrome-silver and chrome-copper elements. (The chrome-gold bricks are vaporized with genuine gold!) In addition they also carry a selection of custom metallic-silver, metallic-gold, and a special battle-worn color (similar to LEGO’s speckled colors). ChromeBricks also chromes elements made by Brickforge. Check out a sample of their selection in the following video.
➡ Chrome Block City is located in Poland, and carries a large selection of basic and specialty LEGO elements in chrome-gold, chrome-silver and chrome-copper.
➡ Bricks4all is based in the Netherlands, and offers both custom-engraved and chromed parts. They can engrave both text and graphics on almost all LEGO parts. Engraving is done in the font-type, size and color you specify. Currently Bricks4all’s chrome selection includes only chrome-silver, however you can also have your chrome parts engraved.
SOME CONSIDERATIONS:
- Chromed parts are durable and scratch resistant, and would stand up to quite a bit of play. However it is a good idea to store them separate from regular LEGO parts and give them some TLC for long-term shiny-ness.
- Some of the chromers allow special orders, others have a stock of elements you can choose from.
- The chroming process adds a thin layer of chrome over an actual LEGO element. This can have an effect on the ease of pieces fitting together and coming apart. They may require a bit more force then regular LEGO elements.
- Some chromers cover the whole LEGO element with chrome, while others only cover one side. Check with each chromer for details.
- Chroming can only be applied to ABS plastic parts. Most LEGO elements are made of ABS plastic; however some parts, like transparent colors, are not suitable for chroming.
- Only new, undamaged, unscratched parts are worth chroming, as all scratches would remain visible after the chroming process.
- Chrome parts are not cheap! (Expect to pay $2-$5 for small parts, $5-$10 for larger parts.) However if you would like to add some shine and sparkle to your LEGO creation they are totally worth it! Even a little chrome can produce an amazing “wow” effect! (Photo below by bricksonwheels.)
If you ever thought about adding some bling to your LEGO, I hope you find this information helpful. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to share below.
WOW! thanks for posting! and that bike is just epic!
Great info, thanks! Do you know which of the 3 is the best as far as quality? Or are they all the same?
They are all excellent quality! You would not be dissappointed! My understanding is that ChromeBricks and Chrome Block City uses the same method, and Brick4all uses a different method that produces an even shinier chrome – great for pimping up your ride! 😉
The Harley bike at the end of my post uses the same chrome parts as Brick4all. If you click on the picture, you will get to bricksonwheels flickr account and check out his other chromed-up trucks, bikes, and other shiny vehicles! 8)
I wish I could afford this stuff! I really like the copper color!
That Harley is just phenomenal! It looks so real! And those curves…!
Shiny!!! 8)
I have been getting them from chromebricks but am now getting some from chromeblockcity at BrickLink.com
Oran, they are both great! 🙂
Did you see all the chrome modified creations I have done, not bragging just telling? LOL If you are interested they are on MOCPages with one of them being CHROME Baby CHROME.
Oran, maybe you can give a link to your MOCpages? 😉
Hi,
Did my link on my name not work?
Oran, yes, but the link in your name takes me to PhotoBucket not MOCpages. 😕
Hi,
Sorry I put the PhotoBucket link with my name.
This is the MOCPages Link:
http://www.moc-pages.com/mocs.php?id=80457
Oran, yes, that’s more like it! You have some seriously blinding tankers there! 8)
Hi I’ve tried looking on the internet for a picture of a chroming machine but don’t know if the HUGE machines what I saw would actually work with LEGO parts or break them?
If anyone knows how this is done or if they have a chroming machine could you put a video on Youtube please?
Thanks 🙂
Hm… I’m not an expert on chroming, however the chromers I know basically just do it in their garage. It is a chemical process more than anything. You might be able to check with people who do custom chroming for motorcycle parts, which is another popular hobby. You can also check with the chromers mentioned in this article and see if they are willing to share their secrets. 😉
Thanks Admin ? I will ask them.
Hmmm, interesting. I wonder if they’d chrome-gold some Minecraft Armour for me?
They can chrome pretty much anything for you, but some of them are more open to doing custom work on a piece they normally don’t chrome, while others just carry a selection of chromed pieces. You can just ask. 🙂
I was wondering, do you know which technique they use? Is it Chrome Plating? Nickel Plating? Vacuum Metallizing? Chrome-look painting of plastic?
Johnny, my understanding is that the most reputable chromers like the ones mentioned in this article use vacuum metalizing. There are some cheap DIY options too, but they don’t get the same effect as true chroming.