refinishing nickle-plated firearms?

[Guest Catdaddy]

I have been considering purchasing an old nickle-plated revolver. If I were to want to refinish the nickle (electroplating) how should i go about prepping the piece? As nickle is fairly inert, I don't think acid would do much. Should I just plan on a good polish and then replate? And should a copper plate be done first?

All opinions appreciated.

Wayne

[Mark@Sea]

electrolytic deplating.

Lots and lots and lots of polishing, unless you're very good with the deplating the gun will look like it was media blasted.

copper plate, then nickel.

[Guest gunsmoke308]

Yes, the copper plate should be added first after very much preparation. Just like re-blueing re-nickeling is a science to get some more info go to a jewelry repair shop and they will explain the process. thats what i had to do and worked exceptionally well. i added at least 3 copper plates before to get the nickel to stick otherwise it will just flake off.