Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989

-----

Can lab-metal be used on metal to be electroplated?

I'm in the process of restoring a Vehicle. I wish to nickel-cobalt alloy electroplate some of the parts. Can Lab-metal [on eBay or Amazon] be used on metal to be electroplated?

Thank you

P.J.Tell
Vehicle restorer - Bundall, Qld, Australia
2005

No. Lab-metal [on eBay or Amazon] is a plastic with metal powder filler. It cannot be electroplated. You could use brass brazing, which can be plated. Lead body filler can also be plated, but most shops are not equipped to do so.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
2005

you may use Lab-metal [on eBay or Amazon] which is a metal filler that can be plated over.

Dennis Aikman
- Lawrence, Massachusetts
2005

Lab-metal [on eBay or Amazon] can be plated provided you follow some specific instructions. I plate over Lab Metal after it has been applied and sanded to profile. I then zincate the part, apply a flash copper plate to the part then plate with acid copper. I then sand to final shape and polish before nickel plating. I have had no failures using Lab Metal.

John Peterson
- Eugene, Oregon
2006

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully 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 & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

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