[KCV6]

yes chromate will come off unless it is left for time. It does become more durable, as in it should only come off with abrasive methods. I hang my bits for 24 to48 hours, depending on season, before handling, I then relief all my bits anyway at 200 deg C for 2 hours. If it is coming off after say 24 hours air dry, the underlying zinc was not active. Here is my process.

directly after after zinc plating go to activating. this step is really to give a nice bright surface.

if the parts have been left for any length of time post plating, then degrease and rinse before activating.

Activate in a 10% sulfuric acid dip for about 30 seconds.

HOT WATER RINSE (hot tap water) for a few seconds and then use a spray bottle with distilled water to thouroughly rinse. Do not handle the parts at all

chromate for 30 seconds and lift the item out of the solution slowly or the coating may damage.

imediate HOT water dip gently. SLOWLY imerse and SLOWLY move around without touching the sides of the container for 15 to 30 seconds.

slowly lift out and hang to dry. I use a hot air gun and halogen lights to get the parts to dry quickly. you can use compressed air, but less than 15psi to help remove water and only at a distance.

so far I have only had one part peel and that was because it is my bitsa test piece. It has been plated about 10 times with various coatings.. copper, zinc, nickel.

Hope this helps