Flash copper over pot metal

[minord]

Anyone tried this? I have had mixed results. I'm trying to re-finish some old bathroom fixtures which are pot metal die-castings. I purchased some "cheap-o" faucet handles from the local hardware store which were also pot metal die-castings and plated them with Flash Copper, then with Acid Copper, then Copy Chrome, and they came out perfect!

These older parts however, are giving me fits.

If I try to degrease or rinse with ANYTHING, (even distilled water) it turns the parts dark, or dull. Should I just shine them up with sand paper and then go directly to the Flash Copper after a quick rinse with distilled water?

[mcaswell]

Exactly!

[minord]

Wow! what a differrence! It worked perfectly. Cudos to your whole team!

Also thank you for this forum. This is a wonderful rescource. The procedure outlined by 48 Buick in this forum was also very helpful. I don't post that much, but I do refer to this section often.

I'm starting to feel sort of like part of.....well, a "family" I guess.

Thanks again!