I posted DIY instructions for zinc plating on the list last April.
Here are the original posts in the team.net archives complete with the
recipe and a link to a photo of some of the stuff that I plated:
http://www.team.net/mharc/archives/html/spridgets/2009-04/msg00703.html
http://www.team.net/mharc/archives/html/spridgets/2009-04/msg00704.html
http://www.team.net/mharc/archives/html/spridgets/2009-04/msg00707.html
http://www.team.net/mharc/archives/html/spridgets/2009-04/msg00708.html
http://www.team.net/mharc/archives/html/spridgets/2009-04/msg00709.html
Zinc is not toxic. The only hazard is that you will be working with the 30%
Hydrochloric acid from the hardware store.
So wear safety goggles, gloves and mind the fumes.
It's been a year since I've done this and I've noticed some of the items I
have plated have dulled. No big deal, That's just what zinc does.
It can be brightened back up by hitting it with some steel wool.
So I think I would add one more step.
Spray your items with clear lacquer after you plated and polished them.
I did lacquer my brass heater valve and the copper heater line after I
cleaned and polished them and they still look good. I used Krylon lacquer
in a rattle can.
-----Original Message-----
From: spridgets-bounces@autox.team.net [mailto:spridgets- Subject:
[Spridgets] Zinc plating
I want to make a zinc electroplater for small stuff like nuts and bolts.
The stuff I'm reading on the Net says to use zinc chloride and ammonium
chloride for the electrolyte. Is this the correct stuff and if so, what
strengths and ratios? Also, how are you prepping the parts? Is
sandblasting enough or do I need to give them an acid bath?
Thanks,
Heard
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