PLating aluminum

[cracker344]

ok, im interested in plating the exterior of my paintball guns. they have an annodizing on the outside, and are made of aircraft aluminum. i want to nickel plate them to a durable/shiny finish.

for $200 or less which kit should i get?
also, wat is the process for doing this?

[mcaswell]

You'll need:

• A Nickel Plating Kit, http://www.caswellplating.com/nickel.htm
  Some anodize stripper, http://www.caswellplating.com/aluminum.htm
  Some zincate solution, http://www.caswellplating.com/zincate.htm

[cracker344]

ok, i have anno stripper already (i have polished the gun before)
i kno wat the nikel plate kit is for, but wat is the zincate kit for?
also this is a durable process right?

[mcaswell]

Aluminum forms an oxide layer within seconds of being polished or stripped. This oxide layer prevents proper adhesion of the plating.

The Zincate removes the oxide layer and applies a thin layer of zinc onto the part. The zinc prevents a new oxide layer forming.

When you place the part in the nickel plating tank, the zinc will dissolve, leaving a clean, unoxidized aluminum part ready for plating.

[dude]

I'd just like to say that I know very little about plating but I do know about silly things people do in forums. I'm in the computer industry and I deal with forums on regular basis. Little hint for next time... before you ask about something that you've been given an answer to already (like whats zincate used for) you should read what what you've been given first, so as to not waste time of the people whose knowledge you seek with redundant questions. In return those that helped you, will more likely help you again. Cheers!