MINI
WORKSHOP Tech10 11 12
13 14 15
8
97
The polishing marks are apparent at this
stage, but grow less pronounced with each
finer grade of abrasive used. This is a highly
skilled part of the process and is crucial to
the final finish.This demonstration piece shows how the
polishing marks are gradually reduced until
the high shine on the right hand side is
achieved. Even this will be polished further
before it can be plated.The final stage of the polishing process is
carried out with a brush and compound,
again working through progressively finer
grades. This will leave a glass like, highly
polished surface.The piece is now passed to the platers, and
will go through a succession of acid dips,
swills and plating tanks. The first layer of
plating is copper, which can help to hide any
tiny imperfections.At each stage, the finish is carefully checked
and if anything is found, the piece will be
returned to the polishing shop for
rectification. The copper will also oxidise
quickly if left in the air too long.Once Nick is happy that the finish meets his
very high standards, the piece is passed
through yet another acid bath to etch the
surface and ensure it is ready to receive the
next layer.Just for illustration, Doug strips half a work
piece, with original plated finish on the left
and bare steel on the right - it perfectly
illustrates how even the well worn plating
has protected the metal well.After swilling, Doug checks each piece
carefully. Only when he’s happy that all old
plating and corrosion has been removed will
he pass it onto the next stage.John starts the polishing process with an 80 grit band which will remove the worst of any
pitting and surface imperfections. Each successive finer grade is polished at 90 degrees to
the previous one.MINI
WORKSHOP Tech10 11 12
13 14 15
8
97
The polishing marks are apparent at this
stage, but grow less pronounced with each
finer grade of abrasive used. This is a highly
skilled part of the process and is crucial to
the final finish.
This demonstration piece shows how the
polishing marks are gradually reduced until
the high shine on the right hand side is
achieved. Even this will be polished further
before it can be plated.The final stage of the polishing process is
carried out with a brush and compound,
again working through progressively finer
grades. This will leave a glass like, highly
polished surface.The piece is now passed to the platers, and
will go through a succession of acid dips,
swills and plating tanks. The first layer of
plating is copper, which can help to hide any
tiny imperfections.
At each stage, the finish is carefully checked
and if anything is found, the piece will be
returned to the polishing shop for
rectification. The copper will also oxidise
quickly if left in the air too long.Once Nick is happy that the finish meets his
very high standards, the piece is passed
through yet another acid bath to etch the
surface and ensure it is ready to receive the
next layer.Just for illustration, Doug strips half a work
piece, with original plated finish on the left
and bare steel on the right - it perfectly
illustrates how even the well worn plating
has protected the metal well.
After swilling, Doug checks each piece
carefully. Only when he’s happy that all old
plating and corrosion has been removed will
he pass it onto the next stage.
John starts the polishing process with an 80 grit band which will remove the worst of any
pitting and surface imperfections. Each successive finer grade is polished at 90 degrees to
the previous one.