What do I need to plate an antique firearm?

[duaneschliebe]

I have settled on copy chrome for refinishing an antique firearm, photo attached.
What else do I need?
B9 solution to strip the original nickel? Or will muriatic acid do?
A buffing wheel?
Buffing compound?

I am not looking for a perfect result, just a big improvement.
I was ready to purchase a 1.5 gallon copy chrome kit and check out, and realize that there's probably a lot more to it than that...

Another question, could I do the whole firearm with a plug-n-plate kit and saves $$$)?

Thanks for helping out a new prospective plater, lots of questions...

Much appreciated!
Duane

[pickleboy]

lord knows i am not trying to talk someone out of trying something new, but if that is the original finish on the revolver and it is as colectible as it looks i would think twice about refinishing it as it will destroy the collectors value. that said if you have no intention of parting with it then plate away. i personally know nothing about plating so i am sure jim will be full of answers for you.

[duaneschliebe]

Thanks for the advice pickleboy.
I had considered not replating the one pictured, it may have some collector's value.
I have two more that are virtually worthless and would really benefit ($) from a replating, attached.

If someone can help me, I would appreciate it:

How do I strip the old nickle?
Will muriatic acid do?
Do I need buffing equipment?
Would it be possible to plate the entire firearm with a plug-n-plate kit and acheive an "acceptable" result?

I don't want perfection like some of the firearms shown in the collector gallery, but I would like it to look better than before.

Thanks very much in advance to Jim and all those who participate in this forum!
Duane

[jimcarry]

I think you would be very surprised at the results you would get by just polishing a piece like this
you would not have to strip the nickel to use copy chrome just polish and de grease.
The plug and plate probably would not give you the finish you looking for .
As far as polishing go’s just remember that any compound can strip a thin plate so you want to be careful not to polish to much keep the piece moving. If you are going to be plating and polishing
I recommend a polishing motor nothing short of 3450 rpm . Caswell has a great supply of motors , buffs and compounds available here http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/index.html#
also a wide range a online movies to help you on your way here http://www.caswellplating.com/movies/# .
Thank you pickleboy for the mention and Duane I hope this helps you

[duaneschliebe]

Thank you very much, Jim, I appreciate the help!

Duane

[samwise123]

Duane,

For God's sake, whatever you do, DO NOT plate firearms with chrome.
Use nickel. Unless it's a cheap 'Saturday Night Special' made by some off-the-wall builder, no manufacturer uses chrome, they all use nickel.

Sam........

[jimcarry]

Originally Posted by duaneschliebe

I have settled on copy chrome for refinishing an antique firearm, photo attached.
What else do I need?
B9 solution to strip the original nickel? Or will muriatic acid do?
A buffing wheel?
Buffing compound?

I am not looking for a perfect result, just a big improvement.
I was ready to purchase a 1.5 gallon copy chrome kit and check out, and realize that there's probably a lot more to it than that...

Another question, could I do the whole firearm with a plug-n-plate kit and saves $$$)?

Thanks for helping out a new prospective plater, lots of questions...

Much appreciated!
Duane

Duane
The Copy Chrome will work just fine. Because it is just cobalt a nickel solution