Parts refinishing question???

[TWJ]

Does anyone know what can be used to refinish parts to match the finish shown in this photo--->


Is this a spray-on finish (paint?) or some other type of coating?

Thanks!

[daepp]

Zinc plating?

[RWebb]

"yellow zinc" - will be close if not exact

[m1franck]

Are you talking about a DIY solution? If so you might want to check out this plating kit from Caswell: Caswell Inc. - Copy Cad® and Zinc Plating Kit

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by TWJ

Does anyone know what can be used to refinish parts to match the finish shown in this photo--->


Is this a spray-on finish (paint?) or some other type of coating?

Thanks!

It's probably zinc dichromate. Cadmium dichromate looks the same, but isn't used much anymore.

[TWJ]

Yes, I am looking for a DIY solution. The kit from Caswell looks good although a tab expensive. Is there a less expensive/easier solution?

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by TWJ

Yes, I am looking for a DIY solution. The kit from Caswell looks good although a tab expensive. Is there a less expensive/easier solution?

I would send the parts out to a plater. I've never had success with the plating kits. If the finish is smooth, it's thin with poor durability. If you get it on thick, it's rough and nasty looking. Look in Hemmings or try the yellow pages for small batch platers.

[wdfifteen]

I'm sorry. My reply wasn't very clear. The finish looks like zinc dichromate. A layer of zinc is electroplated onto the part and then treated with a chemical gives it that yellow/pink rainbow color. I believe the purpose of the dichromate treatment is to harden the zinc surface for durability.

[bpu699]

The caswell kit is a HUGE pain in the butt to use. Can't say I would do it again. Very dedicated setup, very particular, so-so results unless the part is immaculate and buffed...

Here are your choices:

1) Gently scrub the part with steel wool...won't be perfect but gets the oxidation off.
2) Gently bead blast at low pressure...gets the oxidation off, preserves some of the CAD finish
3) Bead blast until shiny, clear coat with krylon satin
4) Bead blast, use Eastwood CAD paint...hard to do on detailed pieces
5) get it proffesionally plated...hard to do for just one piece...unless you get really lucky and find someone local...

#2 or #3 give good "driver quality" results...

[TWJ]

Thanks everyone.

Anyone know of a cheap-o spray paint that looks like zinc dichromate?

[freezing14]

i have used the kit from caswell, spend the cash to get a real good power supply and it works perfect , if you skimp on power supply it will skimp your plating too

one more trick is to put the parts in the BBW at full tilt for 30 minute before degreasing, works everytime ( learned that trick afetr try to replate a caliper 5-6 times

[80-911SC]

Eastwood has a " cadmium " that is pretty close, don't remember how much , but i think would give you the result you are looking for at a fraction of the price of getting it plated ........

[Canada Kev]

Bbw?

[80-911SC]

Originally Posted by syzygy

Bbw?

i think he meant BBQ, makes the neXt steak taste funny if you don't clean it right but will loosen the grease .........

[robmog]

Paint will always look and act like paint. At best a temporary fix. Leave it as is or get it plated. I also have had great results with the caswell kit. +1 on getting a good power source but that will set you back $

[Classic]

Rob,

Can you post some pictures, as i was thinking of getting a kit as plating in OZ is a pain for small parts.

[Fishcop]

For the Aussies and the US Plating Kits Electroplating Kits Aluminum Anodizing Kits Powder Coating Systems Metal Polishing And Buffing Supplies - Caswell Inc.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by 80-911SC

Eastwood has a " cadmium " that is pretty close, don't remember how much , but i think would give you the result you are looking for at a fraction of the price of getting it plated ........

I have the eastwood kit. It plates zinc and comes out looking like a dull, silver/white. Looks nothing like the part shown here. You would be better off painting it.
It should cost less than $10 to have that piece professionally plated. They'll do a better job and it will look right.

[robmog]

before, after electrolytic derusting, final finish

[Fishcop]

Wow Bob, that's much better than I imagined the kit would do!