copper sulfate (sulphate if you will)

[CCWKen]

Acid/copper bath will self plate onto steel but it won't stick very well. Especially if the steel contains chromium and/or nickel. You'll be able to wipe it off if it doesn't flake off as soon as you touch it to a grinder. I would set up a small alkaline plating bath with a D-cell battery. At least it will stick.

Oh yeah, and the part does have to be absolutely void of any oil including finger prints.

[DR]

Change to grinding wheels that grind cooler, like a big bucks CBN wheel.

[trackfodder]

I meant MORE water. Sorry- missed it.