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Removing paint and anodize, then plating copper

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