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Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Polish or plate to mirror finish stainless handgun?

I have a stainless steel Walther PPK-S. I would really like to get a mirror finish on it.

Can the stainless be buffed/polished to a mirror finish, or does it need to be plated?

What are the advantages/disadvantages of chrome vs nickel plating? Will one have more of a mirror finish than the other?

I am looking for the brightest mirror finish possible. Are there other otpions to consider?

Thanks for the advice.

Tim Mathews
consumer/hobbyist - Havertown, Pennsylvania
2005

Hi, Tim. The brightest finish would be rhodium plate, but that's a precious metal and not cheap. Second best would be chrome plating. Nickel without chrome is a nice metallic finish, but not nearly as bright, and subject to tarnish. Yes, stainless steel can be mirror polished. It is not quite as bright as chrome plating but it is a bright and attractive finish.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005

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