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How to Restore Flaking Nickel Plating

Nickel plating that has started to flake off metal is typically the result of rust. The rusting of the underlying metal causes the plating to bubble and then flake off. Rust is caused by a reaction of moisture with metal. To restore the nickel plating, you will first need to remove the rust and loose nickel plating. This is done by re-plating the metal or by using a color match paint.

Things You'll Need

Steel wool
Salt
Lime juice
Small bowl
Paper towel
Sandpaper
Color match paint
Polishing compound
Rag
Clean cloth
Buffing wheel

Instructions

- 1
  Rub the steel wool over the nickel plating on the metal. This will remove surface rust and loose flakes of the nickel plating.
- 2
  Mix one-half cup of salt with one-half cup of lime juice in a small bowl. Apply the mixture onto the surface of the nickel plating. Set the metal aside for two to three hours.
- 3
  Wipe the salt and lime juice mixture, rust and flakes of nickel plating from the surface by using a damp paper towel. Wipe the surface to remove any excess residue with a dry paper towel.
- 4
  Smooth the areas of the metal where the rust was removed with the sandpaper. Wipe any residue off the metal with a clean cloth.
- 5
  Apply color match paint to the sanded areas and allow the paint to dry. Allow the paint to cure for up to seven days.
- 6
  Apply a polishing compound to a rag and wipe it on the metal where it was painted. Buff the compound with a clean cloth or use a buffing wheel.

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