Foo - Okay. I tried to google it.

But I still wasn't satisfied with an answer.

What is a "Starvel finish"? What is it, why is it more expensive and what does it look like? Is it a different color?

I'm finding all sorts of references to that finish - but in guns.

Me too. (thanks Tude) But it doesn't really say what it is or how it's done. Other than that it's a finish of some sort.

Check out this gun forum ...
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93737

What is your context sis?

http://www.starvel.ru/english.php

Hmmm. Thanks, Tude...*still reading*

I think it is an electroless nickel finish. Supposed to be more durable finish than blueing. Is used in the gun industry, so I would PM Mich about this, and if he does not know, I bet he can find out.

http://www.starvel.ru/english.php

Thanks Rdad but I think that is more geared toward food..cooking and such. :)

Only thing I can get is that it is a "satin finish".

What is your context sis?

I've heard it referenced and I was curious and googled. I found that it is more expensive than traditional finishes. Being the curious person that always has to have answers, I googled and wasn't satisfied.

I think it is an electroless nickel finish. Supposed to be more durable finish than blueing. Is used in the gun industry, so I would PM Mich about this, and if he does not know, I bet he can find out.

He said something along the lines of what you just said but I wanted to see what it looks like. I understand it has a "pinkish" hue to it?

Supposed to be whiter than chrome finish. It is a nickel finish that is applied chemically over carbon steel. Go to a gun shop and ask to see a starvel finished pistol.

I think it is an electroless nickel finish. Supposed to be more durable finish than blueing. Is used in the gun industry, so I would PM Mich about this, and if he does not know, I bet he can find out.

I think Jeff is right. From the quick look I've taken it seems to be the name Firestar or Star firearms uses for their process.

Supposed to be whiter than chrome finish. It is a nickel finish that is applied chemically over carbon steel. Go to a gun shop and ask to see a starvel finished pistol.

Oh so it's chemically done.....okay cool. I thought it was a type of brushed or something like that. (Thinking of ti frames...)

There are no gun shops around here. Seems a lot of them went out of business because of the strict gun laws here.

What is the finish that has a pinkish hue to it? I know I've seen it before.

Here are some images.
http://www.robarguns.com/additional_finishes.htm

I think that the color is going to vary from piece to piece, based on how the manufacturer preps the piece prior to plating and how much polishing is done after plating.

Oh so it's chemically done.....okay cool. I thought it was a type of brushed or something like that. (Thinking of ti frames...)

There are no gun shops around here. Seems a lot of them went out of business because of the strict gun laws here.

What is the finish that has a pinkish hue to it? I know I've seen it before.

If the piece has a brushed finish prior to chem plating, it should have one after. Finish will vary based upon the materila being plated and surface prep prior to plating. Could be brushed, satin, hi polish, etc.

Ahhhhh okay, Jeff. Thanks for the pics, that kinda helped. I think I understand now. And about the surface prep too! :)

Sorry to be so picky about this. I'm the type that always has to learn something. And I usually won't quit till I understand it. :o

I think Jeff is right. From the quick look I've taken it seems to be the name Firestar or Star firearms uses for their process.

+1

Most everything I'm seeing points back to them.

So do you think it's a brand thing? Only for a certain brand?

I think it is an electroless nickel finish.


That was what I thought.

I wouldn't be surprised if it is. Maybe a spin on the parkerization process that got patented by Star.

So do you think it's a brand thing? Only for a certain brand?

They probably came up with that name for their process of apply a nickle finish chemically.

So do you think it's a brand thing? Only for a certain brand?

I think its just their name for the process. Here's some general info on electroless nickel finishes.
http://www.corrosion-doctors.org/MetalCoatings/Electroless.htm

Only problem is Star went out of business in the late 90's, so refinishing might be difficult to get.

Thanks everyone for the lessons! I love learning! :)

What is the finish that has a pinkish hue to it? I know I've seen it before.

PheardPhinish, of course. I mean, duh. :p


BTW, I hear it's really hard on bike frames . . . .

.......carbon ones.....

Siu,

It didn't help this time, buy have you ever tried http://www.howstuffworks.com/? I like it.

OOoh thanks, Rdad!! Linky saved!!

;)

I like Rum!