Adhesion

Surface preparation before nickel plating

Identify the base metal and every coating already on the part. Remove oil, grease, fingerprints, polishing compound, paint, scale, and oxide using methods compatible with that substrate.

Finish mechanically before final cleaning because nickel follows the texture underneath. Rinse between chemical steps. Once the part is activated, do not touch it and do not wait longer than the process allows before plating.

Some difficult surfaces need a nickel strike before the main bath. A strike will not fix a dirty part. The complete kit includes degreaser and activator; still confirm the substrate first.