[ARC5] Rivets

[swkb4dmf at windstream.net]

> Next question: what did "they" plate the brass plates with to get 
> that white lettering? It is VERY thin! Is THAT easily reproducible?
> 
> Ken W7EKB


I use tin plating solution but I think they used nickel plating. The tin plating solution is available from circuit board etching supply companies. 
I strip off the old paint first with a paint stripper then repaint the whole tag. When its good and dry I place a sheet of 600 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper on a surface plate or a piece of glass. Anything hard and perfectly flat will do. I then place the tag upside down on the WET sandpaper and start sanding. The paint will come off the raised lettering first if you're lucky. If your not lucky it means the tag either isn't flat or the lettering isn't high enough with respect to the rest of the tag. Use a very light presure with your fingers and look at the tag very often. You can move your pressure points where they need to be and hopefully avoid going too far in one area. When you see all brass on all the text and details, it's ready to plate. I usually put a coat of good car wax on the tag when it's done to help keep the tin coating looking good. I have some rivets that are very close to the originals if you would like me to send you a few.

Have fun,
Steve
KB4DMF