Steps and composition for surface cleaning process for nickel electroless in steel samples

We are doing a process of ion nitriding in some steel samples of low carbon steel and stainless steel. Now we want to polish the samples to see at optical microscope. But for protection of the treated surface we need to protect the surface with process of nickel electroless. Although we have the composition for the bath of the electroless, we didn't know how to do the correct cleaning of the surface to promote ideal adhesion. If you could help me please send the correct steps of cleaning and de composition of the cleaning solutions, for this samples.

Flávio Tenta obter essa informação no ICAT, junto à Faculdade de Ciências da UL, pois tenho conhecimento que esse tratamento é feito previamente ao tratamento de Ni-electroless.

Cumprimentos,