Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Cost to refinish a silver horn
Q. If I were to refinish a silver plated musical instrument such as a trombone, how much would that cost? Where could I go to have this procedure done?
Kyle [surname deleted for privacy by Editor]- Mobile, Alabama
2002
A. Hi, Kyle. What is usually involved is the metalwork of hammering our any dents, then buffing/polishing, then replating.
Usually, only plating jobshops can do the plating portion. But most plating shops can't do the dent fixing and polishing, and many jobshops can only do high production processing, not onesy-twosy stuff. So the best place to start is probably your local music shop even though they won't do the replating in house -- because they will already have worked out the sequence and will have established relationships with experienced plating shops.
I don't think there is a standard price; rather it will depend on how much time is involved. Although silver is a precious metal, the plating is relatively thin, and labor will be the great majority of the bill. Take it to two music shops and see what they say. Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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