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Electroplating over or removing phosphate finish?

May 24, 2009

Hi,
First timer here. I need to know if I can electroplate gold over a phosphate finished hammer(firearm)or do I need to remove the phosphate finish.
If I need to remove it can it be buffed off? Or do I need to chemically remove it?
Thanks

Pj Murray
Hobbyist - Port Charlotte, Fl, USA

June 19, 2009

Hi, Pj. You must remove the phosphatizing and anything else that is not metal, then fully clean the metal, then activate it before you can gold plate it. It is, however, very unusual to plate gold directly on steel. Almost always it is nickel plated first.

Regards,

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

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