Plating spoons

[rgiesler1]

I'm looking for info on the best way to plate fishing lures. Specifically spoons, and probably at least 100 parts. Call it a small business operation. Chrome vs. nickel? Plating brass, or can you plate stainless? How many parts can be plated with what kind of kit?

[mcaswell]

What are your fishing lures made of?

Nickel will be much more cost effective than chrome, and is easier to apply over most base metals.

You can then plate brass over the nickel if needed.

Stainless Steel is a forged metal and can't be applied as a plated surface.

See http://www.caswellplating.com/kits.htm for more info on each nickel kit we offer.

The electroless nickel kit is easier to run, but is limited to small batches and costs more. The regular nickel plating kit is more versatile, requires a power source and is cheaper to run than electroless.

[rgiesler1]

I think brass for the actual lure would be the best formable and finishable material, but any other suggestions would be appreciated.
As far as the nickel plating, do you get a mirror finish with that or not?

[mcaswell]

You can get a mirror finish with any kind of plate if you want. It all depends on the pre-plating surface preparation.

If you want a mirror finish, the base metal must be polished to a mirror finish before plating.