HOME FAQs BOOKS JOBS: Help Wanted Suggestions you are here: Hotline/Forum => Letter 17032

WAX STOP OFF FOR ALUMINIUM

WHAT KIND OF WAX CAN I USE AS A STOP OFF COMPOUND FOR ALUMINIUM AND BRASS COMPONENTS BEFORE SILVER PLATING? DOES THE WAX HAVE TO BE MIXED OR DISSOLVED WITH SOMETHING? THANK YOU.

DHIMAN SHAH
- MUMBAI, INDIA

It can be melted and after the plating can be steamed off. If plating bath is hot you have to use a high temp. melting wax

SAM OBERMEISTER
- Brooklyn, New York

May 10, 2010

Hi,
The wax required is usually a blend of hydrocarbon waxes, mainly consisting of microcrystalline wax. There are many different grades of microcrystalline wax, each with their individual characteristics. In order to select the correct wax specs, you need to work out which wax has the correct amount of flexibility and melting point.
Incorrect wax selection will result in cracking or lifting-off of the wax.

Regards,

Tom

Tom Ward
- Kent, UK

ANSWER or FOLLOW UP POST an unrelated QUESTION HOT Topics

Disclaimer: It is not possible to diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information
presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The
internet is largely anonymous; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations may be deliberately harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: