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View Full Version : DIY Leica Paint – Phase 2 (Dechroming & Prepaint Prep. Work)


Zen-shooter
04-29-2007, 09:01
This is Part 2 of my do it yourself painting project. For those of you who missed Phase 1 of the project, please visit here (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40038).

- This is what the plates look before stripping the chrome and nickel layers.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/208/466864737_1762ab800a.jpg?v=0

- Took the plates to a local plating shop. The shop plate mostly household goods like silverware, chandeliers, trophies, etc. Hiring them to de-chrome is somewhat unusual for them but they can easily reverse the electroplating process. As you can see the plates are unpolished but very clean.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/220/476328337_ba0442732f.jpg?v=0

- The engravings and script look deep enough to accept paint infill. The top plate will receive hammertone paint by sponge brush technique rather than spray. I also ordered a MD-2 top plate from DAG as back-up and test the Olive Green spray can.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/223/476328339_9951c37dec.jpg?v=0

- Masking the plates. I. need to cover the “12 o'clock” screw tab, film counter window and take-up spool threads on bottom plate. The bottom plate will receive 1 coat of primer and 2 coats of matt black paint.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/476328345_3f9a16f312.jpg?v=0

- Make handle from a coat hanger wire. This will also double as a loop for hanging the plate to dry. The surfaces will be lightly roughed using steel wool and / or 1500 grit sandpaper.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/476328349_8bb0eacd5a.jpg?v=0

Time = 15 minutes for masking + 1 week for paint stripping (the work itself was done in 1 day)
Tools = None
Materials = Painter's masking tape, steel wool, 1500 grit sandpaper, used coat hanger
Cost = $5 for the material + $30 for dechroming

Stay tuned for Phase 3 – Priming and Painting, next weekend

Phase 4 will be re-assembly

Vickko
04-29-2007, 10:06
I admire your efforts. I've done it myself, but not by getting a plater to reverse-electroplate off the nickel. I sanded it off.

...Vick

Zen-shooter
04-29-2007, 21:24
I admire your efforts. I've done it myself, but not by getting a plater to reverse-electroplate off the nickel. I sanded it off.

...Vick

I also tried sanding on my first M3 attempt. I must say it was a bit of work-out...

colyn
04-29-2007, 21:29
When my M3 double stroke comes back from DAG it will be getting the de-chrome re-paint treatment too. I may even do my badly flaking IIIc..

NB23
04-29-2007, 21:54
I'd keep it as-is. Looks nice...

aizan
04-29-2007, 21:57
can the chrome shop redo the small bits and pieces? i've always focused on painting, but haven't considered chroming.

Zen-shooter
04-29-2007, 22:20
I'd keep it as-is. Looks nice...

That's what the plating shop owner said too. She said that I should have them polished... but then of course oxidation will occur and the nice bright finish will turn into a dull patina.

Zen-shooter
04-29-2007, 22:25
can the chrome shop redo the small bits and pieces? i've always focused on painting, but haven't considered chroming.

Absolutely, as long as conducting wire can be attached thus allowing DC current to flow through the pieces, the plating shop can dechrome it.
My suggestion is to look for a shop that specializes in jewelry, homewares, silverware and other small (delicate) items rather than automotive / motocycle chromers.

Zen-shooter
04-29-2007, 22:30
As a side project, I also had a wood handgrip made for my MDa and R-D1S.

The R-D1S gets the Koa wood and the MDa will receive the Mahogany.

More info at my Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/zen-shooter/477913156/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/477913156_ad61236315.jpg?v=0

NB23
04-29-2007, 22:37
That's what the plating shop owner said too. She said that I should have them polished... but then of course oxidation will occur and the nice bright finish will turn into a dull patina.

Clear coat it, then!

Personally, I would let it oxidize. It will only oxidize where you don't touch it. The parts where you touch it (while shooting) will be polished. I have a M3 Leica with stripped and oxidized speed dial and advance Lever. I think it's beautiful and very personalized... IMO.

bananasplit
05-03-2007, 14:30
I cannot wait to read the next episode...

Actually I envy you.
I thought of starting a project like this one several times but could never find a professional accepting to de-chrome/nickel the parts.
Now I feel like trying again. Hope it is not too contagious.

Any chance your plating shop would accept to strip the Chrome on my camera?

I forgot to mention that this posting is my “first time” in the forum.
So thanks again.