Nickel finishes

Ledbetter · March 5, 2000, 03:26 PM

I just picked up a Colt Gov.380 in Nickel. I've never had a nickel-finished gun before.

What is the best thing to use to remove the light discoloration? Any precautions necessary?--will Hoppe's #9 or other cleaners discolor it? How does it compare with chrome or stainless? Thanks for all your great info George.

Ledbetter

Badger · March 5, 2000, 07:02 PM

I have several nickel plated guns with no problems. Nickel is durable but must be cared for properly. Solvent left on the finish will probably cause it to flake off.If there are any scratches that go through to the base metal you must be careful as solvent could conceivably get under the plating and cause flaking. I periodically use Flitz to polish my nickel guns. If any solvent is used, be sure to clean throughly and you should be ok.

IZZY · March 7, 2000, 06:40 PM

Badger, where can I obtain this "Flitz" compuond...does this stuff wear down the nickel? Thanks in advance1

Peace

IZZY

Ledbetter · March 7, 2000, 07:15 PM

Izzy,

You can probably get Flitz at your local gunshop or at Brownell's on the web. It comes in a tiny tube and only a little is needed (along with some hard rubbing). I tried it and it worked wonders on lightly discolored areas. For consistent finish, I treated all exterior surfaces. It should be thoroughly removed afterwards, as it turns blue-black on contact with the nickel. I used Boeshield (similar to CLP) to rub the gun down after I had removed as much as I could by rubbing and the residue was lifted right off.

Badger, Thanks for the info.

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James K · March 16, 2000, 01:42 PM

Hoppe's and other ammonia type cleaners will not harm or discolor nickel itself, BUT, the older type nickel plating requires a copper undercladding, since nickel will not plate directly onto steel. If a chip, crack, scratch, or unplated area allows the ammonia cleaner to get to the copper, it will attack the copper underneath the nickel and the nickel will peel off. To be safe, avoid use of such cleaners on nickel plated guns.

Jim

RWK · March 16, 2000, 05:32 PM

Jim is absolutely right! I believe Breakfree CPL will do the job and will not interact with the copper base.

Ledbetter · March 17, 2000, 02:39 PM

I appreciate the information. Thank you.

March 5, 2000, 03:26 PM	#1
Ledbetter Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2000 Location: California USA Posts: 4,533	I just picked up a Colt Gov.380 in Nickel. I've never had a nickel-finished gun before. What is the best thing to use to remove the light discoloration? Any precautions necessary?--will Hoppe's #9 or other cleaners discolor it? How does it compare with chrome or stainless? Thanks for all your great info George. Ledbetter

March 5, 2000, 07:02 PM	#2
Badger Member Join Date: September 14, 1999 Posts: 18	I have several nickel plated guns with no problems. Nickel is durable but must be cared for properly. Solvent left on the finish will probably cause it to flake off.If there are any scratches that go through to the base metal you must be careful as solvent could conceivably get under the plating and cause flaking. I periodically use Flitz to polish my nickel guns. If any solvent is used, be sure to clean throughly and you should be ok.

March 7, 2000, 06:40 PM	#3
IZZY Senior Member Join Date: February 2, 2000 Location: Florida Posts: 938	Badger, where can I obtain this "Flitz" compuond...does this stuff wear down the nickel? Thanks in advance1 Peace IZZY

March 7, 2000, 07:15 PM	#4
Ledbetter Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2000 Location: California USA Posts: 4,533	Izzy, You can probably get Flitz at your local gunshop or at Brownell's on the web. It comes in a tiny tube and only a little is needed (along with some hard rubbing). I tried it and it worked wonders on lightly discolored areas. For consistent finish, I treated all exterior surfaces. It should be thoroughly removed afterwards, as it turns blue-black on contact with the nickel. I used Boeshield (similar to CLP) to rub the gun down after I had removed as much as I could by rubbing and the residue was lifted right off. Badger, Thanks for the info. ------------------ Show someone the way to the NRA

March 16, 2000, 01:42 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Hoppe's and other ammonia type cleaners will not harm or discolor nickel itself, BUT, the older type nickel plating requires a copper undercladding, since nickel will not plate directly onto steel. If a chip, crack, scratch, or unplated area allows the ammonia cleaner to get to the copper, it will attack the copper underneath the nickel and the nickel will peel off. To be safe, avoid use of such cleaners on nickel plated guns. Jim

March 16, 2000, 05:32 PM	#6
RWK Senior Member Join Date: August 20, 1999 Location: Occupied Virginia Posts: 2,777	Jim is absolutely right! I believe Breakfree CPL will do the job and will not interact with the copper base.

March 17, 2000, 02:39 PM	#7
Ledbetter Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2000 Location: California USA Posts: 4,533	I appreciate the information. Thank you.