Summary for zinc plating removal from copper Discussion
Zinc plating removal from copper is the focus keyphrase here, but the thread does not give a direct removal method. Steve Valdez of Modesto, California asks how zinc plating can be safely removed from copper. In response, eBay or Ted Mooney, P.E. says the question is too abstract to answer as written because “safely” could mean several different things: avoiding damage to the copper surface, avoiding the need for personal protective equipment, or dealing with small plated parts versus something like a copper roof. Ted asks for more detail about the actual situation before recommending any process. The practical takeaway is that the right stripping method depends on the substrate, part size, and what “safe” means in context, so the thread ends by requesting clarification rather than giving a specific chemical or mechanical procedure.
Q. How can zinc plating be safely removed from copper?
Steve Valdez
– Modesto, California
A. Hi, Steve.
What do you mean by “safely” . . . Do you mean “without affecting the surface finish of the copper”? Or do you mean “without the need to wear personal protective equipment”? Are these small pieces that will be processed in a plating barrel in a plating shop, or do you want to remove the zinc from a copper roof?
I’m afraid that your question is a bit too abstract to be answerable. Can you please explain your situation? Thanks!
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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Q. We are living overseas and have purchased old zinc-plated copper pitchers and pots. We wish to remove the zinc coating to display the copper without damaging it. What can we use? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Christine Simmons
– Yerevan, Armenia
A. Hi, Christine.
Diluted muriatic acid
⇦ on
eBay or
Amazon [affil link] (hydrochloric) will very quickly dissolve zinc with little effect on copper (in this context and if quickly rinsed), but it is a hazardous material requiring goggles and gloves at the very least.
Metal finishing operations like these are rarely appropriate for the inexperienced though, because of toxicity and various dangers, the need for proper disposal, and the fact that a person with no experience may not even know what they are dealing with. For example, while I suppose it’s not impossible that these items are zinc plated copper, it sounds very unlikely to me; I’d bet that these pitchers and pots are tinned copper, or possibly they are nickel plated.
Good luck.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.