@@mechanicjack clearcoat over copper ion dust is nothing more than copper spray paint, the copper has no adhesion to the steel it's only held to it by encapsulation, scratch the clearcoat and off comes the copper. I've done this for some of my early art pieces and it works for something that doesn't get handled much, but for a utilitarian purpose such as your headlight bucket it won't last past the first washing.
@@jonnyrox116 well not sure what clear coat you used, but automotive clear works just fine and has held up to rain, car washing, and every day driving just fine.
It won't stick, even acid etching the part well it just wipes off. You first need to do a nickel strike or even zinc
Or when it's dry just spray it with a clear coat to protect it and keep it from rusting.
@@mechanicjack may as well use copper colored spray paint. Nickel plating is cheap and easy
Spray paint? I think you are missing the point, and the look of the final product.
@@mechanicjack clearcoat over copper ion dust is nothing more than copper spray paint, the copper has no adhesion to the steel it's only held to it by encapsulation, scratch the clearcoat and off comes the copper. I've done this for some of my early art pieces and it works for something that doesn't get handled much, but for a utilitarian purpose such as your headlight bucket it won't last past the first washing.
@@jonnyrox116 well not sure what clear coat you used, but automotive clear works just fine and has held up to rain, car washing, and every day driving just fine.
No electroplating needed?
No, it will adhere by itself. Then just dry it and clear coat over it.