Duplicating look of bright dip

[PrestonHerrick]

Did a search on this but found nothing or missed it. What would be the best process for duplicating the look of bright dip on auto trim (after it's been stripped) without using the usual nasty chemicals associated with it?

[cprocess]

Bright dipping typically refers to removing the metal oxides from the surface, as well as dissolving the "peaks" of the surface to match the "valleys", producing a smooth highly reflective finish. This can also be done by mechanically buffing and polishing the metal until you get the same result. You need to start with a fairly rough buffing wheel or sandpaper, then increase the grit number to polish grade. Need to wet sand if using sandpaper. If using buffing wheel, use appropriate buffing compounds (from buffing compound to polish compound).

[PrestonHerrick]

Thanks. I've stripped and buffed parts before. Just wondering if there was a similar plating method to achieve the look and durability. I'm considering buffing and powdercoating with clear now.