Summary for olive drab chromate Discussion
Touching up olive drab chromate is not something the thread says can be done by replating the missing color. In the original reply, one answerer told Debbie Haslam that the only practical way is to use an identical olive drab paint. Another answerer offered a different approach: dip out some olive chromate tank solution, wear plastic gloves, swab it on with an old rag until the color no longer wipes off, then wipe with a rinse-wet cloth. Years later, Woon San Joe asked about finding Kenvert 11, an acidic solution mixed with ammonium bifluoride, and was told by another answerer that Kenvert was likely an Allied-Kelite trade name and that Macdermid, which bought Allied-Kelite, would be a place to start. The discussion therefore mixes a simple paint-touchup suggestion with a process-solution lead for those trying to source the chemistry.
Q. I need to know if there is a way to “touch up” the missing olive drab color on a part.
Thank you,
Debbie Haslam
– Ontario, California, USA
A. Dear Debbie;
There is no way to do it by plating but by using the identical color olive drab paint it is possible.
2005
A. Dip out some Olive Chromate tank solution, put on plastic gloves, dip an old rag in the chromate, and swab on until the color does not wipe off, wipe with a rinse-wet cloth.
June 27, 2012
Q. I have seen a couple of recipes for this solution but I can’t seem to find Kenvert 11 which is an acidic solution that needs to be mixed with Ammonium bifluoride. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks.
Woon San Joe
– Long Beach, California, USA
A. Hello Woon.
Kenvert is/was an Allied-Kelite trade name, I believe. Macdermid bought Allied-Kelite, so you could start there. Good luck.
Regards,