Re: Butler Chrome Finish

Posted by Marco on April 03, 1998 at 14:53:47

In Reply to: Butler Chrome Finish
posted by Pat Patterson on April 02, 1998 at 22:14:10

Pat,
The method detailed by DJ is an excellent way to duplicate the satin finish found on many of the interior items. The materials used by platers today are different and require such methods to duplicate the original finishes. There are methods you can easily do at home that will simulate the original finish. I will add a page to the "Model 'A' Baryard" on the subject in a few days (hopefully). "Butler finish", commonly used during the era was actually a grained finish that was created by buffing the base metal with an extremely coarse compound prior to plating. The instrument panel, shift lever, and possibly some brake levers were the only items that were true "Butler finish". All other items were merely satin nickel, but had similar sheen and overall appearance. Unlike today, the nickel plating of the era had very little relective properties unless buffed. This is what makes duplicating the original finish difficult.

If your interior brightwork is chrome plated you can easily remove the chrome (on small items) which will leave bright nickel to work with. Muriatic acid (available in pool supplies at many hardware stores) will remove chrome without touching nickel in 1 to 4 minutes depending on thickness. USE WITH CAUTION! Must be done outside as fumes will quickly corrode items in the workshop. It will burn clothes, skin, etc. Suspend handles, etc., with stainless wire. Submerge in water with baking soda to neutralize afterwards. Any remaining stains will disappear with nickel polish. The acid will rapidly dissolve the zinc base metal of door handles if exposed anywhere. If a boiling action appears in the acid, remove, rinse, and inspect the item.

Hopefully I'll have more info for you in a few days.

Marco




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