Hoo, boy - need some help!

[kswatson]

Hi folks -

Just got my Copy Chrome kit today and have more questions than ever.

First, I'm a total novice at this whole process and am trying to rechrome parts off my 1964 sailboat. However, I don't know what all the metals are although I'm assuming most will be bronze or stainless - many were originally chromed. Is there a simple test I can run, or how do I tell what metals I'm dealing with? Would it be safe to assume that marine metals will work with Copy Chrome?

Second, I've read the free booklet on how to buff and polish, but I still have a ton of questions about preparing the metals. Will I need to use a chemical or acid bath for marine metal, or will buffing and polishing be sufficient? How do I choose which products to use to do the preparation? Even the wax compounds and different buffing bits are confusing. I'm mainly dealing with cleats and deck fittings...

If anyone has any experience with boat parts or can help me figure out what to do, I'd appreciate it. I have a whole lot of university degrees, but somehow, this chemical/metallurgical stuff is just going right over my head!

Thanks in advance,
Kimberly

[lcaswell]

This chart will help you determine the base metal.

http://support.caswellplating.com/in...nloaditemid=48

[kswatson]

That pretty much helps - I'm thinking everything will be okay with the Copy Chrome according to the chart.

Now for preparation - any suggestions or threads where people have already discussed this?

Thanks,
Kimberly

[lcaswell]

This may help: http://www.caswellplating.com/pickabuff/

and this: http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/buffman.htm