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


-----

chromate touch-up on zinc plated steel

We repair Field Test Equipment for the US Government. Several of the carrying cases for this equipment use latches and handles that are chromated, zinc plated steel. After some time of exposure, these coatings are breaking down and we are seeing mild oxidation in the form of a white, powdery residue. These items cannot be removed from the cases without destroying their integrity.

Are there any industry process documents that would describe the touch-up process for chromate on zinc plated steel?

Mark Silvertooth
Raytheon Systems Company - Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A.
2000

I have masked, cleaned, etched and plated similar hardware and followed with a chromate coating, by using brush plating. It was functional, but not beautiful.It was also time consuming and a pain in the xxxx. I charged $10.00 per handle on site and I am not sure if I would do it again for that price.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2000

Mark, If you have several parts that need to be plated, you can purchase Brush Plating equipment to do it your self when the need arises. The systems are portable so they can be used in your shop or on-site. The Zinc should be replated and then chromated for the best results.

David Crocker
- Valencia, California
2000