Quote:
Originally Posted by lcaswell
The test for die cast is a two part process:
1. Put a magnet to it. If it sticks, it's not die cast or aluminum.
2. Have some water handy. Take a drop of battery acid and drop it on the part in an inconspicuous area. If it bubbles, it's pot metal (die cast). If it doesn't, it's aluminum. Drench with water to stop the acid attacking the metal further.
To get an antiqued look, you can replate die cast with our Flash Copper Kit, then use one of our antiquing solutions on the copper plate. You can also brass or bronze plate it, after copper plating.
See Plating Kits Chrome Plating Kits Aluminum Anodizing Kits Electroplating Kits - Caswell Inc. |
Ok after further investigation, the metal is definitely die cast zinc. It is non magnetic and it fizzes with acid turning dark grey/black. But...that is only if I scratch off the surface on the back with a screwdriver to get into the white color die cast metal. Otherwise, it appears to be a pretty good layer of brass looking plating. But somehow over the years the original antiquing has gone bad I think which has caused the plate to turn black. Now if I clean with alcohol or paint thinner nothing comes off. But if I buff real hard I get a black rag and a bright and shiny brass underneath. Not the goldish color you see in the picture but a completely different brass color that is much shinier.
So here is what I am wondering if would work:
1. Buff down to bright shiny brass
2. Then use a new antique solution on the brass?
What do you guys think? Can I forget about the flash copper since the existing brass will protect from a reation? I am also wondering if the Caswell antique solution will offer the finish I am looking for. In particular the inscribed writing needs to turn out much darker than the rest of the plate.
Thanks for your help.