Strip plating from interior of watch case?

[Simeon]

Those who have replated watches, can you tell me what you do with the old plating inside the case?

 

Obviously the ideal would be to strip the case fully back inside and out to give a continuous surface for plating but this is hard to do on the internal surfaces. 

I was thinking of running a small mounted wirebrush on a Dremel around the inside to remove anything loose and plate over the top of the existing plate. 

[RichardHarris123]

Reverse electroplating 

[mikepilk]

Where on the inside do you want to strip. Is it visible?

I would normally use reverse electroplating to strip the outside of the case, which also removes the inside plating. On most wristwatches the inner surfaces are not visible, so I'm not too worried about the finish.

[Simeon]

On 6/17/2024 at 6:55 PM, mikepilk said:

Where on the inside do you want to strip. Is it visible?

I would normally use reverse electroplating to strip the outside of the case, which also removes the inside plating. On most wristwatches the inner surfaces are not visible, so I'm not too worried about the finish.

I meant the interior of the case.  Really just concerned that the existing plate would be a weak spot in the coverage that would allow the new plate to flake off with poor adhesion. Reverse electro plating might be the answer but I would be worried that reverse plating might cause putting in the base metal.

[mikepilk]

I assume you are nickel plating ?

Reverse electroplating can cause some pitting, which you then have to remove. But it's easier doing it that way than trying to remove existing plating. Removing nickel plating using abrasives is hard work. Unless you remove all the existing plating, it's not easy to get new plating to adhere consistently. But then I never really bother about the inside, as you don't see it. 

 

[catherine]

Great idea using a Dremel with a wire brush! It should help remove loose plating without damaging the interior. For a smoother finish; you could try a fine abrasive paste. If you go for an acid dip or electrolytic method; just be cautious as it’s tricky inside. Masking certain areas might help with even replating.