by jorge » Fri Oct 29, 2021 8:08 pm
Chrome plating is not only expensive but occupationally and environmentally hazardous. Chromium, in its 6 valence form, is a known human carcinogen, although other forms of chromium (eg chromium 3) can possibly convert to that form in the body. Chromium salts also can cause severe respiratory irritation and allergic asthma and dermatitis. Chromium salt contamination of water has caused many environmental and financial problems near old chromium plating and tanning facilities. So chromium plating is being phased out in industry, that is one reason it has become much more expensive. It doesn't prevent rusting all that well anyway, most of my old chrome plated steel conga hardware is showing signs of rust breaking through (admittedly after 20 - 40 years). The old black ox finished hardware on a couple of my Skin on Skin drums has also started to rust. I have been wire brushing the rust off then spray painting the lug plates, rim and hoops with black Rustoleum black truck bed coating anti-rust paint to try to protect the steel parts. So far so good after about a year, hit me up in 10 years and I will give you a medium term report. Just wire brushing steel parts works great temporarily but if you live in a humid environment they will rust pretty quickly once they are stripped of protective coating. If black goes with your wood color, I would recommend considering painting the hardware instead of re-chroming it. Some artisans are now making stainless steel conga hardware, you can consider that as well. I haven't tried Rustoleum clear spray anti-rust paint, but that may be a good option if you want to keep the silvery steel color. I did not paint the lugs, just wipe them occasionally with some oil and wipe off as much as I can so my pants don't get stained. A lot of drummers cover their laps and pants with a cloth or towel, but I just wipe off the blackened oil from the threads every few gigs.