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


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How to darken zinc plate and galvanized materials

Q. My builder just put up a new fence for me with zinc plated hinges and a galvanized thumb latch on top of the gate. Does anyone know if there is anything I can put on these parts to darken them, for they really stand out and look terrible. Thanks so much!

Sharon Ballins
hobbyist - Yountville, California, USA
2004

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Q. Where does one obtain iron chloride?

John Welch
- Des Plaines, Illinois, USA
October 8, 2008

Q. I have seen gal beams left under gum trees for a couple of months, they get stained and look like a rusty colour; I am after this effect in a warehouse style loft to make it seem older. Ideally I would not coat the steel at all until it rusts and then clear coat over the rust.
Any help appreciated

Brett Houssenloge
- Sydney NSW Australia
February 2, 2012

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Q. Thanks for the help; the engineer has requested that all of the steel etc. be Hot dipped; I just wanted to take the edge off the new look and of course not damage the protection of the hot dip. Maybe I will spray the showing surfaces per the previous suggestion. Should I wash it off once the effect is reached?
Cheers and thanks -- Brett

Brett Houssenloge [returning]
- Sydney NSW Australia
March 6, 2012

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Q. Here we need to apply a darkened (dulling) aspect on a hot dip galvanized steel. The problem is I wanted to to it without the usual five steps (acidic activation, cleaning, darkening, cleaning, passivating). Is there any way we can do it with less steps or products?

Paulo Moch
- Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
August 1, 2014