electroplating

[surekandoo]

Has anyone ever tried DIY electroplating?

I have some parts that I'd like to electroplate with zinc. They're probably too small to hot dip, so I wondered if I could have a go at electroplating myself.

Any ideas or experience?

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[pvb]

Paint chip repairs...

I use a DIY zinc-plating kit for treating bare metal on stone chips on the car prior to painting. Works well and keeps rust at bay. Kit was marketed by Gunsons, but I don't think it's still available (I've had mine for years). You can however buy similar kits from <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.enginewise.co.uk/acatalog/zinc-electro-plating.html>Enginewise</A>. Don't know whether they are any good or would work with the parts you have in mind.

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[pampas]

If I knew the base metal I may be able to help ?

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[geoffatstanpit]

Zinc-rich paints (used to be "Galvafroid") are a surprisingly good substitute - at least for garden stuff. I haven't tried it in the sea.

Geoff

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[cliff]

Both in my home shop and in commercial plating shops.
What are you trying to plate?
Base metal and size.
Why plate? Phosphating is easier. Are you going to paint over the items?

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[surekandoo]

base metal is either forged or cast steel. Basically small shackles, pins, swivels etc.

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[surekandoo]

I would like a bright zinc finish. I won't be painting over them. Existing small parts have had all rust removed and are currently stored in white spirit to prevent them from re-rusting.

I realise that I'll have to de-grease thoroughly first.

All I'm really looking for is a suitable electrolyte and the zinc cathode/anode? (I can't remember which is which at this stage!)

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[cliff]

Forget zinc plating - go for Chromium plating

The zinc will tarnish very quickly on noatd and even IF you achieve a bright zinc finish it will soon be lost.

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[Joe_Cole]

You could try this

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.bullnet.co.uk/shops/test/zinc.htm>http://www.bullnet.co.uk/shops/test/zinc.htm</A>

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[surekandoo]

No although I want a bright finish to start with I'm not bothered about getting the dull "galvanised" look after immersion/wetting with seawater.

Zinc is what I think I want to use - the engineering term is "bright zinc plated and passivated", I think. Not sure about the "passivated" bit though, what it does & how to achieve it.



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