
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989
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Can lab-metal be used on metal to be electroplated?
2005
I'm in the prosess of restoring a Vehicle. I wish to nickel-cobalt alloy electroplate some of the parts. Can Lab-metal [affil link] be used on metal to be electroplated?
Thank you
P.J.TellVehicle restorer - Bundall, Qld, Australia
2005
No. Lab Metal 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 [affil link] which is a metal filler that can be plated over.
Dennis Aikman- Lawrence, Massachusetts
2006
Lab-metal [affil link]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
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