Quick question for the gang...who does the best refinishing job on chromed 1911s? I have one that I would like to bring back to life. Also, what is the general value for a refinished colt that was in 60% (some light pitting) to begin with?
Refinishing a chromed 1911
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Are you sure that it's chrome not nickel? Chrome is a lot more difficult to deal with in that you must use a reverse electro process to remove it and the copper base. If it is chrome do a search for a shop that has experience with firearms. Best of luck to you.
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3,280 Posts
As above, the best way to strip chrome and nickel is to have an experienced plater DE-plate the metal.
They basically reverse the plating process and it removes the chrome or nickel.
Then they de-plate the copper under coat.
This is really the only way to go if you intend to have a chemical finish like bluing or parkerizing done after the plating is off.
There are other methods, but they often don't get ALL the plating out of the pores of the metal, and when you apply a chemical finish, the metal looks like it has white freckles.
Here's a couple of places that specialize in gun refinishing.
Any one of these should be able to do it, and do it RIGHT.
http://www.fordsguns.com/ (They offer just about all gun finishes).
http://www.apwcogan.com/Greetings.htm (TOP company, does it all).
http://www.techplate.com/firearms_pl.htm
They basically reverse the plating process and it removes the chrome or nickel.
Then they de-plate the copper under coat.
This is really the only way to go if you intend to have a chemical finish like bluing or parkerizing done after the plating is off.
There are other methods, but they often don't get ALL the plating out of the pores of the metal, and when you apply a chemical finish, the metal looks like it has white freckles.
Here's a couple of places that specialize in gun refinishing.
Any one of these should be able to do it, and do it RIGHT.
http://www.fordsguns.com/ (They offer just about all gun finishes).
http://www.apwcogan.com/Greetings.htm (TOP company, does it all).
http://www.techplate.com/firearms_pl.htm
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1,951 Posts
deplating
Be warned that the deplating process is done in an acid solution. The steel will be etched and will be quite rough when done. I guarantee you that not all the plating will be removed. It's not worth the money or the effort. Just use it for a shooter and buy a better collector piece.
Be warned that the deplating process is done in an acid solution. The steel will be etched and will be quite rough when done. I guarantee you that not all the plating will be removed. It's not worth the money or the effort. Just use it for a shooter and buy a better collector piece.
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