Data Plate Refinishing
 

Does any one have any thoughts on re-finishing data plates?

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...0821.07015.jpg

Re: Data Plate Refinishing
 

Brad, What is your intent? Do you want the guns ready for a home garrison inspection/parade or do you want the gun to be operationally ready?

If you take the "parade" option, then see an electroplater or break out the Brasso. If you take the operational route, the plaques look excellent as they exist.

My less than humble opinion for your consideration.

Rob,

The plates are in good condition and I have already buffed the high spots with my buffing wheel (way better then Brasso). My goal is for them to be as close as possible to the factory finish. Original data plate photos are hard to find, but in the one below you can see the "MADE IN CANADA" Data Plate in front of the seated gunner...

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...a173611-v6.jpg

Compare that to my Plate...

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q...0821.07023.jpg

Brad, I hope I can help you on this.

I have refinished plates quite successfully using the following method. It is a little tedious and patience is required. The good side is that if you muck it up the first time, you can always try again.

To get the brass on black look, I first painted the plates with a satin black paint. Since the lettering is raised, all that is required is to sand off the high area.

If you get a very flat block of steel and cover it with some very fine grit emery cloth you can gently rub the plate, face down across the block to remove the paint. If done carefully your plate will look factory fresh when you are finished.
I work the plate in alternating directions to get it clean.

What this method really depends on though is how flat your plate is. If its warped, bent etc you will really have to work carefully.

As for your all brass plate, I'd go the brasso route or have it replated. You will probably find that it is actually brass plated copper. I have stripped them before down to the copper using a solution of muriatic acid. Beware though that it does strip all the brass and replating will be necessary.

What about Soda blasting or Glass-Bead blasting? Works well on Aluminum without pitting.

hello brad

i would try meguires all puprose metal cleaner, available at cdn tire. i have used this product, which is non abrasive. when clean it also leaves a thin film to protect against oxidation. i have used this product several times and swear by it, not at it like i have with other products.

I would add that Brasso and other brass polishs are corrosive. They work by removing the tarnished surface layer of the brass. How often have we seen Brasso'd cap badges that were smooth and without definition? Add to that the two cannons at Royal Roads Military College that have/had, 'No Polishing' signs to keep from losing any more of their markings to cadets under punishment.

So, nothing abrasive or corrosive. You are trying to make the plates look new and untouched, not old and restored.