[piscator]

DP, I know you've read a great deal on the subject and set up a beautiful facility. I have appreciated and followed your advice in my experiments. Fundamentally I agree with you -- especially regarding bright zinc and chromate finishes.

Where my experience differs from yours is with the home-brew solution. I did "spend the $70" on the Caswell kit. Actually I bought two, so that's $140. When I got interested in this subject I wanted to do some side by side testing.

I've mixed up several batches of the Caswell chemistry and it works GREAT! I've also mixed up several batches of the formula presented in the home-brew link -- and it works GREAT! I'm not advocating for one over the other. I'm just reporting on my experience.

Both recipes have worked well for me, and will, I think, do a 'bang-up' job for DIY zinc plating of single or small batches of parts. Large batches, large parts, and/or exquisite shiny surfaces are probably best left to the professionals, who, as you said, likely guard their formulas.

BTW: I also bought the Caswell brightener that you recommended. I've used that brightener in both the Caswell solution and the home-brew. It's made a noticeable difference in both cases. Thanks much for that tip!

As reported, I''ve not been successful with the Caswell yellow and black chromates -- probably for the reasons you've stated and/or I'm doing something wrong. No problem. I'm happy with what I have. My 'one-bucket' kit is ideal for the sundry, one-off, plating requirements of my home shop.