Letter 20005

Dark OD green phosphate or chromate conversion coating

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I am looking for the materials needed and process instructions to phosphate coat or chromate conversion coat steel parts ,the finished product should be a very dark Olive drab green .

Thank you,

Jeff Kubosh
- South Houston, Texas

Hello, Mr. Kubosh--

Steel can't be chromated (although the zinc or cadmium on zinc or cadmium plated steel can be chromated). I think phosphating is more promising therefore from an economics viewpoint. Phosphate finishes need to be kept oiled, and letter 20457 asserts that colored oils are available. That may be the answer for you. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey