This Dave Millican made belt is over 10 years old and throughout time, having numerous owners, it began to develop some issues.

The tarnished nickel, chipped paint and general dirt/wear is not normal for a collectors item such as this.
The nickle plating is actually fine, but it needed a polish. The backing was removed then the plates were removed so they could be stripped of paint, and properly polished. After polishing, the plates were put back on the strap and backing reapplied. I offered this belt for sale and gave the customer the choice of blue or black paint on the sideplates which I added before shipping.