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Can you re-plate an X-pole to change the finish?
I know this may sound like a weird question, but I was wondering if anyone knew anything about plating poles to change their finish. I have a chrome 50mm x-pole but unfortunately, like many people, I really don't like how slippery the chrome feels even after being "broken in." I really love brass but would really prefer to avoid the hassle of trying to sell my pole and then buy another one (especially since I've heard very mixed reviews about the brass x-pole). My boyfriend is a mechanic and knows of a machinist shop where you can take literally anything and they will strip it and plate in with whatever you want. My boyfriend has taken auto/engine parts to them over the years and they do impeccable work that stands up to quite a bit of wear and tear. I was thinking about taking my pole in and having it brass-plated. I talked to them and they said they can do the whole thing for under $100. Does anyone know of a reason this wouldn't work/ would be a bad idea? I know there might be concerns about the plating eventually wearing off, but people are saying that the brass x-pole is plated too so this would be an issue even if I shelled out $429 for a brass x-pole. Any input at all would be super helpful. Thanks!
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11 Replies
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If they can do it, I don't see a problem. Just don't use brass cleaner on it as it will strip off the brass faster. You could go get it powder coated as well.
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I’d considered getting it powder-coated but I heard that it can be TOO grippy and you can’t really do spins well and it can hurt your skin. Bummer though, it’d be fun to have a colored pole.
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Why not, i know some girl had their pole paint professionaly. Make sure it can be done and go for it if you want.
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Brass XPole is NOT plated.
I am not sure how well brass plating will adhere to the steel that is under the chrome. I am shocked that they would strip the chrome and plate for you for under $100. I would not even consider plating over the chrome.
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Kalee – Everyone is different with reagsrds to reacting to the finishes. I personally am finding the powder coating to not be as grippy as brass, though still gripper than titanium. You could also contact x pole and just purchase the pieces for a different finish.
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Hey Sensualscimitar, how do you like powder-coated in general?? I don't know anyone who has used a powder-coated pole before so I haven't gotten any first-hand opinions. Would you recommend it?
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Kalee8-Witchess has a powder-coated pole too if you need a second opinion 🙂
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Powder coated is decent for me. It can still get a little over grippy if I'm really warm, but not nearly as bad as my brass (for me.) It's almost like, if I sweat, I'll slide, but if I'm not too moist, I'll stick. It doesn't work with sweat like brass does. The brass will grab onto my clammy legs for dear life and it is very painful. Before going for any super grippy finish, I think it's better for you to try all the grip aid options. If your hands are too sweaty, try the mighty grip gloves. If your body needs to stick, try corn huskers lotion and a fan nearby. It's much easier to add grip, but nearly impossible to get rid of too much grip.
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Could you perhaps hunt for a second hand pole to have replated, e.g one that’s a bit scratched up, so you haven’t wasted $100 AND your chrome pole if it doesn’t work that well?
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My frst pole was a powder coated and I cannot tell you how much skin I ripped off my legs from it. It was great for static holds but just like with brass spins are more difficult (at least for me).
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I have many students who had the same problem. You can sand your pole with fine sand paper and painted with a metal paint which has a brass finish. All our poles in Studio 409 are made like that and it's fantastic. It took us two years to discover the best option. Take a spray paint type Tremclad, not a brush. Good luck!
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