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Q&As since 1989


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Seeking Blue Chromate Solution

I have a small home zinc plating setup and I would like to do some blue zinc plating. I have been told that I will need blue chromate. Is this true and if so where can I buy some. Thanks, Mitchel

Mitchel Balmayne
- LA, California
2001

Ed. note: Sorry, this RFQ is old & outdated, so contact info is no longer available. However, if you feel that something technical should be said in reply, please post it; no public commercial suggestions please ( huh? why?)

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Hi Mitchel. Yes you need blue chromate. "Blue zinc" is slang for zinc plating followed by chromate conversion coating with a blue-ish tone, and "yellow zinc" is slang for zinc plating followed with a yellow chromate conversion coating. Virtually all zinc plating is chromium conversion coated.

There are plating process distributorships in every major city, and you can check our Chemicals directory for national sources, but some will not sell to hobbyists due to fear of liability, and as part of their good stewardship policies.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April 6, 2013