DIY Nickel plating - no video

[Warden Callaway]

My old Frontier Six Shooter has nice nickel from mid-frame foreward. Then it's thins out on the frame and cylinder.  The backstrap has lost most of the nickel down the back as had the trigger guard.

 

 

 

I watched a lot of videos on YouTube on nickel plating.   I chose the method that looked to be the easiest and least expensive.  Chemicals were white vinegar and salt. I bought some N99 welding rods for the nickel.  I used an old phone charger for power. An old cashew jar as my tank. 

 

 

 

After a lot of time and trial and error, I managed to get nickel on the parts. The results were less than perfect.   But blends in well with the finish on the frame and cylinder.  

[Turkey Flats Jack]

Nice work! I've played with it on scrap metal and bolts but haven't been brave enough to try any of my guns yet. 

[Buckshot Bear]

This guy gets good results -

 

 

[Warden Callaway]

32 minutes ago, Lever Jim said:

This guy gets good results -

 

 

 

That's essentially my setup. Except my jar had about a quart of solution so I could dip a back strap or trigger guard. 

 

There are many videos on YouTube showing ways to do this.  So I won't bother making another amateur video.  The process can be far more complicated and controlled.  This is about the cheapest and dirtiest way.

 

You can get the nickel in many forms.   You can get it pre-saturated in liquid or crystal form.  

[Crazy Gun Barney, SASS #2428]

Hot dang Warden, that looks pretty good. Is there anything you can’t do? Have you tried alchemy yet? if anybody can get it done I would bet you could. If you have any luck, let me know and I’ll send you some lead and will await the return package full of gold!