Newbie needs answers

[RayRay]

I bought a triple plate chrome kit from an individual,haven't plated yet. Question,Does the part need to be shiny or just smooth and free from imperfections? Any help will be appreciated

[jimcarry]

Originally Posted by RayRay

I bought a triple plate chrome kit from an individual,haven't plated yet. Question,Does the part need to be shiny or just smooth and free from imperfections? Any help will be appreciated

The best finish you start with the better the finish when you are done

[fxstcguy98]

It depends on the part and the material. Sometimes it's easier to plate with multiple layers of acid copper and then sand and buff prior to the nickel. Sometimes you can just buff the part and plate with nickel. Sometimes you have to use a strike plate, fill pits with solder then sand, plate with acid copper and buff. In every case, you want the part looking mirror shiny prior to nickel, then 90% of the time you can go straight to chrome with no buffing on the nickel.