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What is this yellow finish on steel?

December 6, 2010

Hello,

I have a finish that I am trying to identify, on a steel part. The finish leaves the steel with a transparent yellow finish. I have seen this finish before, usually on electronics parts or inexpensive automotive parts. I want to identify the finish and ascertain how well it resists corrosion/rust in a typical outdoor environment.

56291

Can anyone help, or point me in the right direction?

Eric Heiberg
product designer - Long Valley, New Jersey

December 7, 2010

Hi, Eric. This looks like zinc-nickel plating with an iridescent yellow chromate conversion coating. It could, of course, be a different zinc alloy before the conversion coating, or even plain zinc plating. I doubt that it would be sufficient for outdoor exposure however, although it would perhaps be okay for under-hood application. But you really need to find out what it is before you can estimate its life expectancy. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
(Ted can offer longterm or instant help)
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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