[mpierich]

I'm thinking of adding plating to my services (currently just polishing) since I'm learning that there are some aluminum parts that don't polish to "perfection" despite using proper techniques. A few questions for now:

1. I understand that the base metal needs to be fully polished, then pickled prior to plating. Sometimes I get a haze on aluminum that I can't get rid of, even tho the surface is fully mirrored otherwise. Will this show up after plating?

2. I read in an old post that 220 pounds or less of plating solution is considered hobby use. I would only be doing say one intake manifold or a couple of morocycle engine covers per week at the most, but doing it for the public. Would I be subject to any bothersome regulations?

3. Once the solutions are made up, do they have a shelf life? Say I do some plating then don't use the tanks for another month. Problem?

Thanks for any advice.

Mike