Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Polishing nickel plated Spanish armor

 

My brother reworked a suit of 16th century Spanish armor and then had it nickel plated, my brother passed away a few years ago, and I was never told how to polish it. I have used wet rags. The armor is not as shiny as it used to be and I do not want to remove any of the nickel. How would I clean it properly.

Thank you for your time, I know this is a silly question but I cannot find any "clean" answers to it.

Jason Rountree
- Tucson , Arizona

I'm an old friend of Jason Rountree's, and this is the ONLY reference I have found for my old pal. I even paid for a public records search, and nada. I hope I can post here, and ask that if anyone knows him, please put him in touch with me! My email is baringer@gmail.com. Thanks, Marcus Mebes Artist - Shreveport, Louisiana 2007

I would assume that if the armor is truly Nickel plated that after a few years of being exposed to the elements that it would naturally tarnish to some degree. I would suggest that you try an inconspicuous location with a good brand of metal polish (Simichrome [on eBay or Amazon] , Flitz [adv: Flitz on eBay or Amazon] , etc.). Make sure that you do not polish through the Nickel plate so go easy until you find the correct technique. Hope this helps.

Bill Miller
- Shinnston, West Virginia