Salt Spray Test Clear Zinc Plating: Important 96-Hour Guide

Summary for salt spray test clear zinc plating Discussion

Salt spray test for clear zinc plating is the core question here: Steve L asks whether a zinc chromate plated, non-yellow zinc finish on 1010 cold rolled steel should be expected to last 12 hours or 96 hours in a salt spray cabinet. The answer notes a traditional rule of thumb: about 12 hours for clear chromate and 96 hours for yellow chromate. However, the responder cautions that this guidance is dated because of newer pressures to eliminate hexavalent chromates from automotive parts. According to the answer, modern clear trivalent chromates and proprietary topcoats are now common and may be expected to withstand 96 hours or more, depending on the system used. The practical takeaway is that the required salt spray performance depends on the specific coating chemistry and any topcoat, not just whether the finish is clear or yellow.