On 07/20/2017 12:02 AM, Brent Hilpert via cctalk wrote: > A copper layer can perform some filling and smoothing function in a plating > job. > Its perhaps more significant purpose however (as I understand it in my > limited experience with having plating done*), is to provide an oxygen > barrier for the steel substrate.
You can plate copper on steel to substantial thicknesses--it's often used as a filler material--plate more than you need, machine it to spec, then plate over with something durable (nickel is very common). It's not cheap and probably not a do-it-yourself affair. I don't know how OCD you want to get over this, but it'll be expensive. You might also check out the finishing.com forum and caswellplating.com for alternative approaches. --Chuck
