[red911]

KX,

My problem is when I use low air pressure from an air gun, the gold chromate comes off in chunks. It just blows off and the part is ruined.

I have stopped using brightener, per the posts here. But the parts are duller, so I would like to use the brightner in all Copy Cad plating processes, zinc or gold chromate.

Additionally, my anode is getting black after each part is plated. I plate for six minutes then turn the part around for full coverage, using two anodes on one side of the 4.5 gallon tank.

So,

1. Brightener or no brightener?? I would prefer to use the brightener!!

2. Use low air pressure and chance the sloughing off of the gold chromate?? Or, what do you recommend?? Does the Blue Chromate help keep the gold chromate on the part??

3. I tried using a heat gun, but the drips and drops kept coming, so I went to low air pressure and the gold sloughs off!!

4. My kit is over four years old, and I was not sold a air source in my kit, should I buy one?? There seems to be black particles on larger parts, so perhaps the air system would help.

5. Should I use bandages over my anodes to reduce blackening anodes?? Currently, I use a scotchbright pad after every six minute plating session per side. This is adding a lot of time to my plating jobs!! I do not remember the anodes turning black except after every 4 plating sessions, now it is after each one half session (remember I plate six minutes and turn the parts around.)

6. I have the older Copy Cad system, so should I keep my solution at the lower end of 80 degrees to 90 degrees??

Thanks in advance. Tom