matte nickel finish

[bmason]

If I beadblast a part prior to nickel plating, will this produce a matte nickel finish? If not, how would I go about achieving this type of finish?

[mcaswell]

Yep. Bead blast or buff with a Brightex wheel.

[48Buick]

One thing to remember when you get to the point of nickel and chrome plating......
It will not hide anything, it only accents the surface you plate to.
You can create a wide range of finishes by working the surface you intend to plate to.
Your copper is going to be the plate that you will buff and smooth to perfection if that is the finish your looking for.
Hope this helps.
48 Buick