Dear Joe and the CR List,
Bicycle frames are particularly difficult for platers. May refuse to do them. The frames can catch in polishing wheels, the lugs are soft the tubing is hard, there are edges and engraving to preserve and scratches and rust pits to polish out. A copper base makes polishing easier, but tends to build too much thickness and interferes with thread and press-fit tolerances. Tubes with small vent holes tend to trap solution and "drag" it from one tank to another, causing contamination of large qualities of expensive materials.
There is no need to do anything to you frame or parts before sending to CyclArt for plating. CyclArt prepares our parts for plating carefully before they go to the plater who does the final polishing and plating. Afterwards we do an additional rinse to confirm that all interior surfaces are clean, then bake the plated parts to eliminate hydrogen inclusion that can lead to cracks.
CyclArt has worked with the same man for plating for nearly 20 years. His experience and specialized tooling does make a difference. Over the years, we have tried other platers when our man has been over loaded, but despite our best efforts and excellent referrals there were always problems. A great plater without experience specific to bike frames is still likely to disappoint.
Lower prices may be found, but bicycle finishes have been our specialty since 1976.
I remember a particularly challenging job, a Schwinn Town and Country Tandem. As our plater delivered the large flat chaingard, I noted is was a smooth and flat at the mirror I shave in. He beamed with pride and noted correctly, "yes, and when I started it was as rough as a torilla!"
For more about plating see this page on our website:
http://www.cyclart.com/
Back to work.
Jim Cunningham ~ CyclArtist Specializing in bicycle restoration since 1976 Vista, CA