[nil8u]

I know this question has probably been asked a million times but can anyone tell me how to properly prep a part for flash copper plating. The part I am plating is about 30 sq" and is steel. It was painted but I stripped the paint and have sanded the part down to 400 grit and polished with black compound and a twine sisal wheel. It looked great and passed the water break test but the flash copper is not uniform. I plated the part at 1.4A for about 15 mins. Is this long enough? When I pulled it out there were some areas that were dark and some areas that were really light. I forgot to mention that when I pickled the part in #4 pickle the dark blackish spots became appearant. I dont think it is because of the copper. What would cause a dark discoloration in certain areas after it was pulled from the pickle?

I have tried a couple of times on this part and every time I think I have it down the bright acid copper that is plated after the flash copper doesnt stick. What am I doing wrong?

Also when the manual says to rinse does it mean with distilled water or tap water. I am thinking distilled but on the website it shows the water break test done in a sink. Also it says to rinse the SP degreaser off in hot water and the pickle should be rinsed off with cold water. Is that distilled cold water?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Lance