Posted by John Cooper on December 17, 2003 at 19:18:51:
In Reply to: Re: Re: silver replating (first try) posted by Kenneth Sloan on December 17, 2003 at 18:41:16:
As talked about in previous responses, the "flaked off" plating is a strong indicator that the brass wasn't cleaned or prepared properly before the horn was plated. I would try to remove as much of the loose silver plating as I could. Then you will need to follow the previous suggestion of feathering out the broken edges of the silver plating followed with progressively finer abrasives over the entire damaged area. Before you plate, the area should look just as shiny as the rest of the horn. Clean the spot good with a grease cutting soap (Dawn). Don't get WD40 anywhere near the horn (silicone based, nothing will stick to this crap). If the plating still won't stick, there might be a problem with the alloy at this location. This spot doesn't happen to be on the outside of the bell where the blemish is on the inside of the bell is?
Good luck, hope this helps.