Plating Question

[olek_Z_bc]

Lets say i want to plate a gun part, i.e. slide, frame, bbl, the whole thing :lol:

What are the requirements? Do I just need to remove the blueing and that is it or is there something else involved.

Also what is more corrosion resistant, nickel, chrome or gold?

I know that gold might peel, etc. but i am just wondering in the case of a display gun?

Thanks,

Alex

 

[agit-prop]

Nickel and some chrome platings are equally resistant if the chrome plating job uses a nickel strike plating. Chrome on its own is not corrosion resistant.

To prepare for plating, you need to de-blue, then finish the raw steel to the finish quality you want to have. If you want a mirror bright nickel plating job done, the steel must be polished to a mirror finish. Also, you must thoroughly degrease, and not handle the bare steel with your hands after degreasing.

More info at www.caswellplating.com

 

[thecollector]

The galvanic corrosin potentials indicate the order of increasing oxidation resistance as follows: nickel, chromium, gold.
An engineering hard chormium plate (high density, low porosity) as opposed to porous decorative chrome plate, that employ a nickel and copper strike coat, is very corrosion resistant. Typical examples of decorative chrome plate would be automotive bumpers, and hard chrome plate would be hydraulic cylinder tubing.
Another worthwhile plate to consider would be electroless nickel plate; this is another engineering 'hard coat' that posesses superior adhesion, density, hardness, and corrosion resistance compared to electrolytic nickel plate.

 

[olek_Z_bc]

Thanks for the great info fellas.

I would like to get this thing done by the end of this year.

It was funny when I told the guy at the plating shop what i want to plate :lol:

Cheers,

Alex

 

[Splatter]

Gold is exceptionally corrosion resistant; but very soft.
There are very few metals more resistant to the effects of water/oxygen/salts/etc.