Pretreatment

The preparation of the metal surface comprises two steps: cleaning/degreasing in an alkaline solution or solvent, followed by a pickling treatment if tarnishing is present.

The treatment in alkaline solutions is aimed at removing any traces of oil, grease, fingerprints or other films of lubricant remaining on it after processing. Otherwise, soiling would negatively influence the quality of the electropolishing result.

After the alkaline treatment follows a pickling treatment. A pickling treatment removes light oxide layers, which may have been formed during machining or heat treatment.