[SLOSteve]

I'm having problems plating a radio bezel. First I sandblasted the part really well. Then I degreased for 5 minutes then rinsed with distilled water and into the flash copper for about a half hour. The parts came out really nicely coated. I then put them in a 200 degree oven for a few minutes to stop the discoloration problem I was having previously. It worked, so I'm thinking it should take the nickel nicely too. I got the temp just right (110) started agitating the nickel tank then lowered my part into the tank starting at very low amps. I checked the part in five minutes and noticed it was blotchy all over. Some dark spots, some shiny spots, some wierd spots etc. So I figured I just need to leave it in a little longer and up the amps which I did. I uped the amps to about 3 then left the part in for about 20 minutes. When I pulled it out to check it it looked the same as it did when I checked it at 5 minutes. Some parts I could still see the flash copper and the other nickel plated parts were once again blotchy.

Does anyone have suggestions? Is the part not clean enough? Should I have sanded the part before and after flash coppering? Any help would be appreciated!