The process of re-plating metal parts is much more involved than simply "dipping" in a chrome plate solution. Besides the many regulations regarding handling and managing of dangerous chemicals and the exhaust, the standard triple-plating process involves many steps, is extremely labor-intensive, and requires great skill, even art, to come out with a new-looking shiny plated piece. The first step in plating involves stripping the part of whatever plating it currently has. Each piece is dropped into the strip tank to eat away most of the old plating. Once the parts are stripped chemically, they all go to the grinding and polishing room. The first labor and skill-intensive step is to grind all of the surfaces of the piece down to the base metal, including grinding out any pits and imperfections. If the part needs further repair, it can be welded, pounded and/or reshaped before moving on to the next step. Next, the metal piece is polished to a finished, smooth surface. Before the first plating it must look perfect, with all detail and surfaces smooth and clean. Because of its superior adhesion and rust-inhibiting qualities, the first plate in the triple-plating process is copper. Copper also helps to fill minor pitting and imperfections. After the copper layer is complete, it gets buffed smooth for the next coat. The next layer is nickle, a bright silvery finish. If, after the nickle plate, the part requires more copper for filling, etc, it is re-coppered, polished and nickle plated again. Like the copper layer, the nickle coat is also completely buffed before the final plating. The last plate, usually chrome (but also brass, gold, antiquing, etc.) is dipped and quickly pulled out of the solution. This final top plate is again buffed for a smooth, shiny finish.

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