Coating specialists for over three decades
Water-based metallic ceramic

CermaKrome Chrome-Like Ceramic Coating

A water-based metallic ceramic coating, mechanically polished to an almost chrome-like finish — high-temperature, exceptionally corrosion-resistant, and applied inside, outside or both from our Warrington & Poynton depots, or mail-in from anywhere in the UK.

✓ Sole European Tech Line agent & applicator ✓ Chrome-like polished finish ✓ UK-wide mail-in
CermaKrome chrome-like ceramic coated exhaust manifold by Camcoat Performance Coatings

What is CermaKrome?

A metallic ceramic coating polished to a chrome-like finish

CermaKrome is a water-based, aluminium-filled metallic ceramic coating — a “cermet”, part ceramic and part metal. Applied in a very thin film, it gives extremely high levels of corrosion and chemical protection, and because of its ceramic nature it also works as an effective thermal barrier that reduces radiated heat.

Once cured, the coating is burnished to seal it and then polished, by hand or mechanically, to reveal a hard, sealed, almost chrome-like metallic finish. As the sole European agent for and a licensed applicator of Tech Line Coatings, our CermaKrome is supplied by this specialist coatings manufacturer.

At a glance

  • Water-based metallic ceramic “cermet” coating
  • Mechanically polished to an almost chrome-like finish
  • High-temperature and exceptionally corrosion-resistant
  • Coated inside, outside or both — Warrington, Poynton or UK-wide mail-in
  • Qualified to Ford Specification WSA-M2P170-A3
  • Adhesion rated 5B (Excellent) — ASTM D3359 tape test

The benefits

Why choose a CermaKrome chrome-like ceramic coating

Chrome-like appearance

Burnished and polished to a bright, almost chrome-like metallic finish that suits show, street and restoration work.

Outstanding corrosion resistance

A metallic ceramic that resists salt, fuels and fluids — strong enough that it is regularly used in demanding marine conditions.

High-temperature capable

Built to hold its finish at high exhaust temperatures, well beyond what decorative chrome plating is designed to take.

Effective thermal barrier

Its ceramic nature reduces radiated heat, helping keep under-bonnet temperatures down around the coated part.

Won’t blue like steel

Near its temperature limit it may lose a little shine, but it will not turn gold or blue the way bare steel does — a light polish brings it back.

Tough, thin and durable

Cures to a very hard surface with excellent adhesion, applied in a thin film that helps hide underlying surface flaws.

Water-based & cleaner process

A water-based coating with a bake-and-cure cycle that is less hazardous than solvent-heavy systems, applied in a single coat.

In Tech Line’s own testing, CermaKrome passed 6,500 hours of ASTM B117 salt-spray testing with no sign of failure — the highest salt-spray and corrosion resistance of any metallic ceramic coating they offer, with excellent resistance to solvents, fuels, fluids, salt and water. We are straightforward about what CermaKrome delivers: a lasting chrome-like finish, strong corrosion protection and managed heat.

The chrome-like finish

How CermaKrome gets its shine

CermaKrome is not a plated chrome layer — the finish is developed in the coating itself, through curing, burnishing and polishing.

1

Coat & cure

CermaKrome is applied in a thin, even film and cured. At this stage the surface is white and porous.

2

Burnish to seal

Burnishing seals the cured surface and brings it up to a bright silver metallic tone.

3

Polish to a chrome-like shine

We then polish, by hand or mechanically, to an even, hard, polished-aluminium, almost chrome-like appearance.

Unlike chrome plating, CermaKrome needs no regular polishing to stay looking its best — just an occasional light buff with a metal polish keeps its lustre.

What we coat

What CermaKrome can be applied to

CermaKrome can be applied to virtually any metal part, ferrous or non-ferrous, for a durable chrome-like finish. It is not suitable for magnesium.

Exhaust manifolds & headers Downpipes, collectors & tailpipes Turbo housings Engine bay & dress-up parts Show & restoration parts Marine exhaust components

CermaKrome is designed for single-coat coverage and has excellent “hiding” of minor surface flaws. For a full exhaust in a chrome-like finish, see our exhaust ceramic coating service; for a hard-wearing coloured finish on aluminium, our Diamondyze ceramic anodising process may suit. If you are unsure whether your part is suitable, contact us and we will advise.

The difference

CermaKrome vs chrome plating

Both give a bright, reflective finish — but for hot exhaust and engine parts they behave very differently.

Decorative chrome plating

  • An electroplated decorative layer, made for looks rather than sustained heat.
  • On hot exhaust parts it can discolour, blue or lift over time.
  • Adds no meaningful thermal barrier.

CermaKrome ceramic coating

  • A metallic ceramic built for high temperatures and corrosion resistance.
  • Holds its chrome-like finish at high exhaust temperatures and won’t blue like steel.
  • A thin, tough, thermally protective film with excellent adhesion.

For hot exhaust and engine components, CermaKrome is designed to do what decorative chrome plating is not: keep its finish under heat while adding corrosion protection and a thermal barrier.

Near you

CermaKrome coating in Warrington & Poynton

CermaKrome is applied in-house at both our depots. Drop your parts in if you are local to Cheshire, Greater Manchester or the wider North West, or use our UK-wide courier mail-in service from further afield.

Warrington

129 Hoyle Street, Warrington, WA5 0LP

01925 445003

Poynton

Unit 4a, Adlington Industrial Estate, Poynton, SK10 4NL

01625 858547

FAQs

CermaKrome questions

What is CermaKrome?
CermaKrome is a water-based, aluminium-filled metallic ceramic coating — a “cermet”, part ceramic and part metal. Applied in a very thin film, it gives high levels of corrosion and chemical protection and, thanks to its ceramic nature, also works as a thermal barrier. Once cured it is burnished and polished to an almost chrome-like finish. Our CermaKrome is supplied by Tech Line Coatings.
Is CermaKrome real chrome, and how is the finish achieved?
No, it is not electroplated chrome. CermaKrome is a metallic ceramic coating. Once cured, the surface is burnished to seal it and then polished, by hand or mechanically, to a bright, almost chrome-like metallic finish. The result looks similar to chrome but behaves like a high-temperature ceramic coating.
Does CermaKrome discolour when it gets hot?
If the coating gets close to its temperature limit it can lose some of its shine, but it will not turn gold or blue the way bare steel does. A basic polish can bring the shine back, and CermaKrome does not need regular polishing — only an occasional light buff with a metal polish.
What temperature can CermaKrome withstand?
CermaKrome is a genuinely high-temperature coating. Its metallic colour can begin to fade or dull with heat at around 760°C, and this can be pushed up towards 850°C when the part is coated internally as well as externally. Because the right specification depends on your part and its operating temperatures, we will confirm the correct coating and finish when you get in touch.
How corrosion-resistant is CermaKrome?
Very. In Tech Line’s testing, CermaKrome passed 6,500 hours of ASTM B117 salt-spray testing with no sign of failure — the highest salt-spray and corrosion resistance of any metallic ceramic coating they offer. It is regularly used on parts that see demanding marine conditions.
What can you apply CermaKrome to?
CermaKrome can be applied to virtually any metal part, ferrous or non-ferrous, for a durable chrome-like finish. Typical work includes exhaust manifolds and headers, downpipes and tailpipes, turbo housings, engine bay and dress-up parts, show and restoration parts, and marine exhaust components. It is not suitable for magnesium.
Can you coat the inside of an exhaust as well as the outside?
Yes. We are a specialist internal and external ceramic coater. Coating both surfaces gives the most complete result, and CermaKrome can be combined with our other ceramic coatings where a part needs both a chrome-like finish and maximum thermal management.
Does CermaKrome need much maintenance?
No. Unlike chrome plating, it does not need regular polishing to keep its finish. An occasional light buff with a metal polish is enough to keep its lustre.
Where can I get CermaKrome coating in the UK?
Camcoat has two depots: Warrington (129 Hoyle Street, WA5 0LP, 01925 445003) and Poynton (Unit 4a, Adlington Industrial Estate, SK10 4NL, 01625 858547). We serve Cheshire, Greater Manchester and the wider North West, and you can send parts by courier from anywhere in the UK.

Get a CermaKrome quote

Ready for a chrome-like ceramic finish? Drop your parts in at either depot, or send them by courier from anywhere in the UK.

Warrington 01925 445003 · Poynton 01625 858547