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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
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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