Electroless Nickel Plating Firearms

[jaxenro]

I want to plate two medium/large size revolvers. Would the small electroless nickel kit be large enough for that?

I am trying to replicate the look of an old 1851 navy that was nickel plated but some has work off. Anyone ever do anytign like that? Can I put something on parts to keep it from sticking and peel it off at the wear points?

[crob241]

Sir, I have been using Caswells products and plated several different types from complete rifles to old colt revolvers in gold, nickle and copy chrome. The electroless nickle comes very close to the 19th century used by colt. As for what size kit to use whatever size you buy can be increased by buying more chemicals or a larger tank, when I am plating something small like a handgun frame or similar I use a smaller container like a corning ware 3-4 qt pot and heat it on a hot plate because it gets hotter quicker and for me works fine. Thank you

[jaxenro]

Thanks - do you think the smaller kit would do two colt revolvers?

[crob241]

You have to now the area your plating, figure out the nickle credits and follow the instructions. Doing that the job will come out fine. I would think the small kit would be fine also ask tech support that is what they are for and have always answered my questions

[sross]

I do Colt single actions in an enamel roaster pan on a hot plate. As long as the gun is submerged, it's okay. I stand there and stir slowly rather than a pump because I keep checking the temp.

Just getting them clean is the work. BTW--plate it then polish off the wear areas; it'll look more correct.

Also, keep in mind Colt did NOT high polish back then. Nickel was more for rust prevention. They went up to about 600 grit for nickel (320-400 for blueing). 800 wet-or-dry would be more than correct; I use 600.

Colt also polished barrels in a different direction than others did.

Seth