Plug N Plate Copy Chrome question

[Great_Scott]

I have a 1985 Harley Davidson that has a number of parts which need to be either chrome plated for the first time, or have previously chrome plated parts repaired where the chrome is pitted, chipped or rusted.

I already have a shopping list of what I need to prepare the parts as far as buffing and polishing goes, and I feel pretty confident about that part of the process.

The largest item I have to plate is the outer primary cover which is made of aluminum and is approximately 20" by 9" or 180 sq inches. All of the other items to be chromed are smaller in size.

So my questions are as follows;

Will the Plug N Plate Copy Chrome system work on a piece as large as my primary cover and if not, what is the largest size item that the Plug N Plate system could be used on?

Is the thickness of the plating related to how many applications are performed on the piece or is it how slow the wand is moved over the piece or a combination of both?

Would just the Copy Chrome kit be enough or would I need the nickle and/or copper kits as well with the type of repairs I need to perform?

How far will 8 oz. of solution go and does it have a shelf life once it has been opened?

Can the bandages be re-used and are additional bandages available seperately?

Many thanks in advance, Scott

[mcaswell]

Will the Plug N Plate Copy Chrome system work on a piece as large as my primary cover and if not, what is the largest size item that the Plug N Plate system could be used on?

Plug N'Plate can be used on any size part. It's a brush plating system, so plating is applied by brushing the wand over the area. Area is not a consideration. However, on a piece this large, to get an even finish, it would be better to use the immersion Copy Chrome system.

Is the thickness of the plating related to how many applications are performed on the piece or is it how slow the wand is moved over the piece or a combination of both?

A combination of both. In the immersion system, it is related to the amount of time in the bath.

Would just the Copy Chrome kit be enough or would I need the nickle and/or copper kits as well with the type of repairs I need to perform?

You might want copper to fill in pits etc., but you don't need nickel if using Copy Chrome, as Copy Chrome is actually a nickel plate with some color additives.


How far will 8 oz. of solution go and does it have a shelf life once it has been opened?

About 100 sq. in. No shelf life.


Can the bandages be re-used and are additional bandages available seperately?

Yes and yes. You can also use old material, like an old t-shirt.

[Great_Scott]

After preparing damaged chrome on steel parts, some of the pitting would need to be filled before chrome plating. My questions related to this are;

1. Would I use the copper Plug N Plate system to fill the pitting, re-surface and polish before chrome plating?

2. Next do I Plug N Plate the entire piece going over the repaired areas as well as the good chrome or would I be better to the use the Copy Chrome immersion on the entire piece?

Thanks in advance, Scott

[mcaswell]

Again, it's a question of the size of the part. For larger parts, it would be best to forget Plug N Plate and go for immersion copper and chrome systems.

Copy Chrome and regular chrome wouldn't mix too well. If planning to use Copy Chrome on a part with old chrome plating, I would strip the old plate and re-plate from scratch.

[Great_Scott]

OK, What is used to strip the old chrome from steel, aluminum and pot metal?

[mcaswell]

You can also sandblast, grind etc. the chrome off.