any tips for me when using the eastwood blackening and zinc plating system?

[Jim H.]

First of all, are these systems worth using?
Is there anything I need to do to keep the plating from coming off? Does the plating look somewhat correct?
What type of prepping should I do?

I plan on using the kit do to most of the parts are bolts, nuts and mounting plates.

I have done the following:
Applied Eastwoods rust desolver.
Wire wheeled each part at low speeds.
Dusted off each part.
Use alcohol before plating the parts.
What should I do prevent the parts from rusting after plating the parts?

It is hard to tell which parts need to to be painted, plated or blackened.

Is there other paints or clear coats I should apply after plating the parts to get the correct color? My car is not going to be judged NCRS car, though, I want it to look somewhat correct.

Also, should I attempt to use the plating kit on the seat tracks? Or have them done professionally. I think the seat tracks were plated is that true?

[Jack H.]

Re: any tips for me when using the eastwood blackening and zinc plating system?

You're on the right track in coming down the learning curve! Part prep is the lion's share of job.

When plating, there are a myraid considerations for your tank...

Will you surround the active plating area with donor anodes or use a simple 2-D anode/cathode geometry?

Will you actively circulate the plating bath?

Will you filter the plating bath electrolyte?

Will you control electrolyte temperature?

Will you use a constant voltage 'battery' or step up to the bar and buy a regulated power supply with variable voltage/variable current output controls?

In general, the SLOWER you lay down the plated finish, the more uniform the job and less post-plating polish you'll have to do.

There are several EXCELLENT threads in the archives on 'how to' and you'll find the Eastwood approach is basically a quick & dirty system that DOES work vs. a full service system based on Caswell chemistry + support.

On what to do after plating, if the part has been plated properly and fully, you need to do NOTHING about rust prevention! That's the reason for parts being plated. All that should result is the natural oxidation of the plated surface and it's gentle/slow dulling in response to oxidation...

[Michael G.]

Re: any tips for me when using the eastwood blackening and zinc plating system?

Jim,
The Eastwood blackening solution has a blue hue to it. I had the blue come through after final wash. I found that using a light nylon brush on the item during the final rinse removes the blue leaving a better black finish. Use safety glasses.
Mike

[Alan S.]

Re: any tips for me when using the eastwood blackening and zinc plating system?

Hi Jim,
I used a product (spray can) called Pre Lube 6, that Quanta Products sells, to protect parts after plating. It seems to work well, not change the appearance of the finish on the part, and lasts.
Regards,
Alan