[kxkraze]

Based on my experience, it sounds like the current is too low or you don't have enough brightener.

For current adjustment, what works the best for me is to begin with the calculated current values based on surface area. Then I will begin my plating but I will make sure that the circulation pump is not producing any air bubbles. Look VERY close at the substrate being plated. If you cannot see any tiny bubbles being formed from the plating process, then turn up the current a little. Keep turning it up until you see some very small bubbles -- not a bunch of them, just a few. You are now in the happy zone and you may turn on the air bubbles in the circulation pump if you wish (I don't). If you have the right amount brightener in the plating solution, your zinc will be almost as shiny as chrome in 10~15 minutes. The brightener gets consumed (probably faster than you think) so be sure to replenish your solution if you are looking for a shiny finish.

If you are still not having any luck, then there is one more suggestion that I have. Buy some Blue Chromate from Caswell and buy some Sulferic Acid (battery acid) from your local auto parts store. Mix up some of the Sulferic Acid in distilled water at a 2~5% concentration. Mix the Blue Chromate per the instructions. After you have finished with the electroplate, rinse the object, dip it in the diluted Sulferic Acid solution for about 10~20 seconds. Rinse again. Dip in the Blue Chromate solution for 30~40 seconds. Rinse with Dist. water and dry with a hair dryer. If your part is not shiny, then you never plated it to begin with.

**** REMEMBER ***** The book should be used as a starting point reference for what you are doing. You will need to experiment, learn, and diverge from it to get your optimal results.