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Thanks!

It depends on the process, but basically the parts are hand sanded, then a two part polyurethane sand-able primer is applied, then sanded again... usually this step is repeated about 2 to 3 times until the layer lines are invisible. Its best when sanded to about a minimum 600 grit. With vacuum metalizing though, you have to be careful not to use putty or bondo, as this can cause bubbling if its touches the conductive coating/primer. I use a company in Michigan called Vacucoat (www.vacucoat.com).

We also have 3D printed parts Nickel Plated which is even tougher because some 3D printed parts are porous which is really bad for the electroplating vats. Its also pretty expensive...

I will post another model we built (much more impressive than the Rod) in a day or two. It has al ot of Nickel plating on it.

<blockquote data-quote="BuildParts" data-source="post: 150829" data-attributes="member: 13636">Thanks!&nbsp; It depends on the process, but basically the parts are hand sanded, then a two part polyurethane sand-able primer is applied, then sanded again... usually this step is repeated about 2 to 3 times until the layer lines are invisible. Its best when sanded to about a minimum 600 grit. With vacuum metalizing though, you have to be careful not to use putty or bondo, as this can cause bubbling if its touches the conductive coating/primer. I use a company in Michigan called Vacucoat (<a href="http://www.vacucoat.com" target="_blank">www.vacucoat.com</a>).We also have 3D printed parts Nickel Plated which is even tougher because some 3D printed parts are porous which is really bad for the electroplating vats. Its also pretty expensive...I will post another model we built (much more impressive than the Rod) in a day or two. It has al ot of Nickel plating on it.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="BuildParts, post: 150829, member: 13636"] Thanks! It depends on the process, but basically the parts are hand sanded, then a two part polyurethane sand-able primer is applied, then sanded again... usually this step is repeated about 2 to 3 times until the layer lines are invisible. Its best when sanded to about a minimum 600 grit. With vacuum metalizing though, you have to be careful not to use putty or bondo, as this can cause bubbling if its touches the conductive coating/primer. I use a company in Michigan called Vacucoat ([url=http://www.vacucoat.com]www.vacucoat.com[/url]). We also have 3D printed parts Nickel Plated which is even tougher because some 3D printed parts are porous which is really bad for the electroplating vats. Its also pretty expensive... I will post another model we built (much more impressive than the Rod) in a day or two. It has al ot of Nickel plating on it. [/QUOTE]

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