pevadijk Posted February 15, 2008 Share Posted February 15, 2008 I want to have my STI Edge plated, but I can't figure out what's best. My smith showed me a slide that has been hard chromed (matte), but on the front edges of the slide you could see the nickel plating that's under the chrome and I don't like that. So, I'm thinking of getting it done in electroless nickel?? I heard it's very rust resistant and has a very even thickness. BTW, anyone had pics of a STI done in electroless nickel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GentlemanJim Posted February 15, 2008 Share Posted February 15, 2008 I do quite a bit of nickel plating on shotguns....never did a pistol The plating usually measures .0005 to .00075 and it looks nice Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Radical Precision Designs Posted February 15, 2008 Share Posted February 15, 2008 I want to have my STI Edge plated, but I can't figure out what's best.My smith showed me a slide that has been hard chromed (matte), but on the front edges of the slide you could see the nickel plating that's under the chrome and I don't like that. So, I'm thinking of getting it done in electroless nickel?? I heard it's very rust resistant and has a very even thickness. BTW, anyone had pics of a STI done in electroless nickel? Years ago, in my New Jersey shop we offered both hot bluing and electroless nickel plating as in house services. Across the street from my shop there was a commercial jewelry manufacturer that offered electro-plated nickel, silver, etc. Most electro-plated systems (including chrome and nickel) do have a habit of not plating well certain areas, specially internal or lower laying recessed areas. On the other hand "electro-less" nickel plating offered full internal and external coverage in an even pattern. I wish that most set-ups/shops offering "hard" chrome plating would deliver similar results. BTW, if you saw the "yellowish" coloring of nickel plating in some recessed areas, this means you DID NOT get a hard chrome finish, but got what is referred to as "triple-chrome" plating. Triple-chrome ( or "bumper/wheel" plating consists of a thin layer of wash of electro-copper plating followed by another wash/layer of electro-nickel plating, and finally another very thin layer of electro-plating in "commercial" chrome. Hard-chrome, also referred to as "industrial chrome" plating is deposited directly into the properly prepared steel, without the layering coats of the "commercial" chrome. Hard chrome (industrial) is also harder than "bright"/commercial triple-chrome. While Nickel, electro or electroless, is very durable, it is not nearly as hard or durable as "hard chrome" plating. The Nickel finish gives out a slightly yellowish color instead of the greyish/bluish hue of the hard chrome. The hard-chrome look seems to be more acceptable than the nickel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pevadijk Posted February 15, 2008 Author Share Posted February 15, 2008 The problem is that I live in The Netherlands and it's highly illegal to take your gun to just a plater, so the options are limited, since there are only a few company's that will plate guns. So, I guess what I have seen is triple chrome and I'll be better off with electoless nickel? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pevadijk Posted March 15, 2008 Author Share Posted March 15, 2008 (edited) I have my gun back from my gunsmith and it's done in electroless nickel. It's really smooth and even and it's very easy to clean. Hard chrome would have been great, but I couln't find anyone able to hardchrome........and the grip is going to be replaced by a red or blue one ;-) BTW, sorry for the Glock in the picture ;-) Edited March 15, 2008 by pevadijk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBoyd Posted March 15, 2008 Share Posted March 15, 2008 Last winter I sent my worn, blued, STI Edge to be refinished by Robar Ind in Phoenix, with thier NP3 Nickle process and it came back looking great. I am well pleased with the results. The finish is flawless, they did just a great job. It's easy to clean. it's closer to stainless steel in color instead of a hard chrome look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHart Posted November 16, 2008 Share Posted November 16, 2008 (edited) I have my gun back from my gunsmith and it's done in electroless nickel.It's really smooth and even and it's very easy to clean. pevadijk... I think your choice of nickel is awesome. It's a superb gun finish with many great qualities, not the least of which is that gorgeous warm color. Hard chrome is great, but nickel is nearly as hard and much more beautiful. Edited November 16, 2008 by DHart Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coolduckboy Posted November 16, 2008 Share Posted November 16, 2008 so everyone hop off the ion-bond bandwagen? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
glockinitup Posted November 16, 2008 Share Posted November 16, 2008 Personally, I like hard chrome. I've gotten a few hard chromed (Ford's and Tripp) and both of the firearms have performed and looked beautifully. The finish looks just like it did the day I got them, even after extraordinarily heavy usage. 1 vote for Hard Chrome Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DHart Posted November 17, 2008 Share Posted November 17, 2008 so everyone hop off the ion-bond bandwagen? InoBond DLC would be my first choice for a black finish. Hard chrome is tops for silver. And Electroless Nickel is great for the soft warm tone. I like all three a lot, myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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