Vivi Nova STV - a cool discovery

[thefullhonkey]

So I was getting ready to clean one of my Vivi STVs last night, and I noticed that some of the silver finish was flaking off. I gave it a little rub with my thumb nail, and it came of pretty easily. That was when I discovered that the thin layer of metal was, in fact, stainless and not aluminum as I had assumed. I had a bit of a lightbulb moment, grabbed a small piece of steel wool, and gently buffed off the rest of the finish, periodically rinsing the tube as I went along. The end result is a beautiful, brushed steel finish that looks about 43.76 times cooler than the original rubberized paint finished. With an innokin SVD (also stainless) on the way, this couldn't have happened at a better time.

So, if you want a stainless Vivi STV all you need is a little steel wool and about 5 minutes of careful polishing. Just take care not to scuff the little plastic window.

I'll try to post a pic tonight!

 

[thefullhonkey]

Another thought, if you wanted to take things to the next level (i.e. glossy, mirror finish) a little bit of Mother's metal polish (automotive) and a rag would do the trick...

 

[VV_James]

Pretty cool discovery!

 

[thefullhonkey]

Here is the end result. My domestic overlord now wants me to refinish hers as well (it's presently pink).

 

[trouble1000]

Might have to give this a try with some Evods. I got a 10 pack of assorted colours. Being a typical bloke pink doesn't really do it for me, the orange is a bit hideous too - so they'll be the first to get the steel wool treatment

 

[VV_James]

Here is the end result. My domestic overlord now wants me to refinish hers as well (it's presently pink).

View attachment 244589

Very Nice!
Are you gonna make shiny??

 

[thefullhonkey]

Might have to give this a try with some Evods. I got a 10 pack of assorted colours. Being a typical bloke pink doesn't really do it for me, the orange is a bit hideous too - so they'll be the first to get the steel wool treatment

Not sure what the construction of the evod is, but if it's metal under rubber/paint, this should work. Can't hurt to give it a try on a tank that you don't like the color of anyways.

Very Nice!
Are you gonna make shiny??

I did drag out the mothers last night, but haven't gotten to it yet. I'm more a fan of brushed finishes because SS takes on a patina with use. I really dig the "used" look of well-worn steel. Will have to see what the finish is like when my SVD arrives and go from there.

 

[VV_James]

'm more a fan of brushed finishes because SS takes on a patina with use. I really dig the "used" look of well-worn steel. Will have to see what the finish is like when my SVD arrives and go from there.

Youe SVD is mostly polished SS, with the engraving and the dimples, and the milled strips (on the telescope tube) being a brushed finish...

You gonna Like Eet!!

AND it's SOLID and HEAVY! You could beat the hell out of someone with this thing!

 

[ScottP]

Might have to give this a try with some Evods. I got a 10 pack of assorted colours. Being a typical bloke pink doesn't really do it for me, the orange is a bit hideous too - so they'll be the first to get the steel wool treatment

Please post results and pics if you do. I may consider this as well.

 

[trouble1000]

Please post results and pics if you do. I may consider this as well.

I'll probably give it a try in a couple of days and post the results on here. Busy with work at the moment though, so no chance to play