Eastwood's zinc plating kit...

[Rob A.]

I've been using the Eastwood zinc plating kit with good results. Normally, the bolts come out just the way I want, not too shiny. Recently, they are coming out too dark. In the past, if this happened, I simply cleaned up the zinc bars and the shine on the plating returned. The bars are fairly new. I realize they could be buffed to increase their shine, but I've never had to do that before and was happy with the results. Anyone experience this?

[Jack H.]

Re: Eastwood's zinc plating kit...

'Black' finish out of the tank can be the result of several things:

(1) Voltage/current is incorrect and you're laying down plating WAY too fast.

(2) Your electrolyte is 'over the hill' and it's time to discard/replace it.

(3) Poor plating practices including: improper pre-plating metal preparation, not cleaning 'salt' build-up off your plating annode, failure to filter particulate matter out of your electrolyte between plating sessions, failure to monitor/maintain correct/original electrolyte Ph levels, and improper electrolyte working temperature.

Eastwood provides a very easy way to get into the home plating process (kit entry cost is low), but they offer little/no support regarding what to do if/when things go bump in the night.

Caswell, on the other hand, sells a VERY nice book that gives you technical background & trouble shooting tips plus they maintain a user support forum for information interchange as well as email Q&A support...

[Gerard F.]

Re: Eastwood's zinc plating kit...

Rob,

Here's what I do with a Caswell plating kit:

Prior to plating, I dip the anode in muriatic acid (cut 2 to 1), neutralize it and dry it off. Then I wire wheel the anode to a shine.

With the Caswell kit, if you want to it to come out shiny you add a brightener and prep the part to a shiny finish. I'm sure Eastwood has a similar brightener in its mix which wears out over time.

I never use brightener with my Caswell kit as it always wears out and with little use, I think it is a waste of money. My parts always plate to a dull gray. If I want a shiny finish, I just buff the dull gray to a bright zinc finish.

Regards,

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179