Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Removing paint and anodize, then plating copper on aluminum paintball gun

I recently bought a CCI phantom paintball gun for a very cheap price because it was spray painted. I plan on removing the spray paint and the anodize with Easy Off oven cleaner [on eBay or Amazon]. On Easy Off's website they said, it would not penetrate only "discolor and pit" the aluminum. After removing the anodize and paint, I plan to electroplate copper to the aluminum, for a penny like appearance. I'm aware that pennies are made from zinc, should I electroplate zinc before I electroplate the copper? I've searched though some forms of electroplating and found one I liked; a large glass container filled with distilled vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon], with copper tubing or wire to the positive end of (a) AA, (should I use more than one)? and part I want electroplated to the negative end. I would like the finish to be somewhat resistant to abrasion from plastic and from the barrel being screwed in to the body. Thank you for your input.

Walter Radam
hobbyist - Virginia Beach, Virginia
December 30, 2009

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January 2, 2010

Hello,

you can't just plate directly on to aluminum substrates. You need to do first a very good pre-treatment job and a zincate deposit before any prior plating (electroless or electrolytic). After you have done this, you can plate it with electroless nickel or with copper cyanide (flash plating) and after you can plate whatever you want to do.

Good Luck!

Dominik Michalek
- Sydney, Australia