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nickel plated

aramisviaramisvi Member Posts: 4,589
edited December 2008 in Ask the Experts
Hi folks.

after floating the idea of rebluing my pa-63 in the general forum, I think the idea of nickel plating the slide, trigger guard and hammer would look nice. is there an inexpensive kit that i can do at home or should i have it pro finished?

i'm trying to learn everything i can for WHEN i become a gunsmith.

i plan on making some matching grips from rosewood to compliment the nickel. your thoughts gentlemen?
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Comments

  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I had a similar Hungarian pistol years ago. Because of the finish on the alloy frame wasn't very durable, I wound up vapor blasting it. It gave it a pleasing mat finish. You might try also blasting the steel slide and Parkerizing it. Their instructions on-line, for inexpensive home Parkerizing.
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  • Bill DeShivsBill DeShivs Member Posts: 1,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Caswell plating sells an electroless nickel kit.
    http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/electroless.htm
    It's easy to use, but the most important part of any plating job is the polish. Plating itself only coats the underlying metal with a microscopically thin finish-so the underlying surface is of utmost importance. Properly sanding to at least a 600 grit finish, and polishing on a buffer is a must if you want to have a shiny finish. Caswell also sells a "primer" that will allow you to nickel plate your alloy frame.
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  • iwannausernameiwannausername Member Posts: 7,131
    edited November -1
    All sorts of colors and even "chrome" available via duracoating... have you looked at that option?
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  • aramisviaramisvi Member Posts: 4,589
    edited November -1
    duracoating...cheaper? easier? diy? high quality shine like nickel and chrome? any metal removing like in nickel plate? (i'd like to avoid that as much as possible....)

    also... limited budget...like under $100.

    closer to $50 if possible.
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  • Bill DeShivsBill DeShivs Member Posts: 1,264 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Duracoat is high tech paint. You can't get a shiny metallic finish with paint. And it requires an airbrush, and air compressor, bead blaster, and possibly parkerizing solution. It's not cheap, and it's still paint. Polishing and plating is the only method for what you want. You can polish with wet/dry automotive sandpaper, and a lot of elbow grease. If you want to become a gunsmith the understanding of polishing and metal finishes is something you'll need. The best way to learn is to do it.
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  • rhmc24rhmc24 Member Posts: 1,984 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Texas Platers Supply sells a kit for brush plating. They have the stuff for nickel, silver, gold, etc. I have used them for years and it does a good job. Other than the usual prep for bluing, you need a DC electric power source which can be three or four flashlite batteries.

    Texas Platers Supply, 2453 W. Five-Mile Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75233, Telephone: (214) 330-7168
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