what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
What method do platers use to mask part assemblies with areas not to be plated? Or what do folks do that is better? I'm going to be getting some radiator caps, hood support etc replated, as well as other things. I want to mask the radiator cap rivet and pressure plate and 4-tooth washers on the hood support.
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Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
I have covered Fuel Injection shafts with duck tape when sending out to plate the end of the shaft and they come back unplated - as I sent them. I would discuss it with the plater before sending. Don H. -
Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
Ian, a long time ago one of the members of this forum was responding to a question about plating (Jerry Fuccillo?). Included in his response were some pictures where he had used a special tape to mask off parts. This must have been well over a year ago.
PaulComment
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Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
Found that post, but looks like he was just masking a shifter plate for painting...Comment
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Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
I found a liquid latex product at Hobby Lobby called Masquepen. It is acid resistant when it sets up; at least resistant to hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid). It is applied from a small diameter nib attached to a squeeze bottle. It is not full proof as occasionally, the acid will works its way under the latex. When you are ready to remove it, roll your finger over it and it rolls up in a rubber ball.
The platers I have used in the past, use duct tape where possible. That obviously won't work on the radiator cap rivet, the latex might.Comment
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Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
Ian -- one of my students works in the plating industry. I can ask him what the pros use, but Spring break (as it is called in these PC times) is here and our next class is April 6. If you can not wait until then I can email him, but I can get a better answer for you face-to-face.TerryComment
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Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
Thanks joe. I'll look for it!Comment
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Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
Terry, I'd be interested in hearing back. I move at a snails pace anyway (new baby, demanding job, etc). I bought some watercolor masking fluid, which seems to be what Masquepen is. The stuff I bought was called "Grafix 4-1/2-Ounce Incredible White Mask Liquid Frisket" with applicator. I'll let folks know how it went on this thread later.Comment
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Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
Ian, yesterday I was watching an episode of "Celebrity Rides" that I had DVR'd and they were replating some of the parts for a Duesenberg. The plater used duct tape to mask off areas that he didn't want plated. It looked like good quality tape. The episode was the one where they were repairing the rot in the wooden top. If you're not familiar with this program, it is shown on the DIY network and features the restoration of a Duesenberg Town Car owned by Jay Leno and being restored by Randy Ema.
PaulComment
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Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
I'll keep an eye out for that one! I really enjoy "American Restorer", though they don't really focus on cars. So looks like I'll use duct tape for the areas I can wrap easily, and the latex watercolor masking fluid for smaller spots like the rivet and 4-tooth washer on the hood support.Comment
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Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
You can also use enamel paint and take it off with paint stripper after.Comment
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Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
Heavy duty wax should work. Tested this years ago. Wax a part and Captain Lee's stripper wouldn't cut it. Not sure how it would respond to plating.
Gary
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NCRS Texas Chapter
https://www.ncrstexas.org/
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Re: what is the best way to mask part assemblies for plating?
Ian,
The name of the product you are looking for is called "Stop Off Tape" I am told duct tape is a FAIL for a commercial plater. Heat aned acid will destroy the adhesive in duct tape.
In Chicago Stop Off Tape is available from
The STUTZ Company
4450 W. Carroll Ave.
Chicago, IL 60624
Phone: 773.287.1068
Fax: 773.287.4303
email: stutz1@mindspring.com
This place usually supplies plating shops and is not a retail operation, however I am told they will work with you if you call during normal business hours in the mid-west time zone.
They have two types of tape Chrome colored is for chrome (DUH!) and a red color for other plating processes.
An Internet search for Stop Off Tape reveals a Sequoia Manufacturering Company in Las Vegas that only makes these kinds of tapes. I have no experience with them, but you can try.
FWIW: My student did say "They are no cheap." Best of luck.TerryComment
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