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Anyone Done Brass Plating Before?

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13 Mar 2016 08:33 #715205 by NakedFun
Anyone Done Brass Plating Before? was created by NakedFun
So I am getting close to getting my CAD/CAM files for my custom KZ badges. Then it dawns on me, if I am going to have them CNC'd out of brass stock, my side cover KZ900 badges need to match! So thinking about having the stock rear badges blasted and brass plated so they match. Never had brass plating done, so I am curious if anyone else has done this or had it done before? Tips and tricks? Recommendations on who should do the work?

Cory

2008 Kawasaki Concours 14
1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1976 Kawasaki KZ900

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13 Mar 2016 18:12 #715281 by PLUMMEN
Replied by PLUMMEN on topic Anyone Done Brass Plating Before?
Ive had model T parts brass plated before,But its a real pain in the ass to keep them clean/polished.
Id clear coat them and hope for the best.
Id find a place that specializes in antique plating. ;)

Still recovering,some days are better than others.

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14 Mar 2016 09:33 #715364 by MDZ1rider
Replied by MDZ1rider on topic Anyone Done Brass Plating Before?
Are you sure the side cover badges are not plastic? The tank badges are metal, but I'm pretty sure the side cover badges are a plated plastic.

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14 Mar 2016 09:46 - 14 Mar 2016 09:48 #715366 by loudhvx
Replied by loudhvx on topic Anyone Done Brass Plating Before?
I always wondered about plating plastic. Apparently they apply some conductive coating first.
classiccomponents.com/services/plastic-plating

Funny how brass doorknobs and such seem to not corrode, but brass used for construction etc. seems to oxidize pretty fast, and even starts to turn green if you don't protect it. I wonder if it has to do with zinc/copper ratio?
Last edit: 14 Mar 2016 09:48 by loudhvx.

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14 Mar 2016 16:44 #715423 by NakedFun
Replied by NakedFun on topic Anyone Done Brass Plating Before?

MDZ1rider wrote: Are you sure the side cover badges are not plastic? The tank badges are metal, but I'm pretty sure the side cover badges are a plated plastic.


They are definitely metal.

Cory

2008 Kawasaki Concours 14
1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1976 Kawasaki KZ900

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14 Mar 2016 16:46 #715424 by NakedFun
Replied by NakedFun on topic Anyone Done Brass Plating Before?

loudhvx wrote: I always wondered about plating plastic. Apparently they apply some conductive coating first.
classiccomponents.com/services/plastic-plating

Funny how brass doorknobs and such seem to not corrode, but brass used for construction etc. seems to oxidize pretty fast, and even starts to turn green if you don't protect it. I wonder if it has to do with zinc/copper ratio?


I believe it is a clear coating. Had those at the house I grew up in. Found that there were sections that were chipping from contact such as rings, etc.... Those sections began to tarnish. All four badges will be clear coated anyway.....

Cory

2008 Kawasaki Concours 14
1999 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1976 Kawasaki KZ900

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14 Mar 2016 17:01 #715426 by z1kzonly
Replied by z1kzonly on topic Anyone Done Brass Plating Before?
If your going to wright a program for tank badges? Why not do the sides also. I mean if your using a CNC machine! I don't know if it is goverment job lunch time employee work? Or if you are paying Someone? Go for the Gusto!

And early Z1 and KZ 900 emblems are aluminum! The later KZ1000 are plastic I glass beaded mine, put black paint in and clearcoated to match my simple cheap theme of silver and black.

Livin in "CheektaVegas, NY
Went thru 25 of these in 40 yrs.
I SOLD OUT! THE KAW BARN IS EMPTY.
More room for The Old Girl, Harley 75 FLH Electra Glide,
Old faithful! Points ign. Bendix Orig. carb.
Starts everytime!

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14 Mar 2016 17:06 #715428 by PLUMMEN
Replied by PLUMMEN on topic Anyone Done Brass Plating Before?

MDZ1rider wrote: Are you sure the side cover badges are not plastic? The tank badges are metal, but I'm pretty sure the side cover badges are a plated plastic.

I always thought they were di-cast. ;)

Still recovering,some days are better than others.

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