Copy cad/zinc plating question.

[69t120]

Hi all, questions from a newbie. I purchased a 1.5 gal copy cad/zinc kit and have been trying to plate some automotive water hose clamps. I was hoping for a bright, silver color but all I seem to get is gray. The manual states to add 3 teaspoons of brightener per 1.5 gal of solution while the bottle says 1 teaspoon per gal. I’ve been adding 3 teaspoons. The manual also says to add brightener after each plating cycle. I’m using the robber method, so does that mean after each time I plate something? Adding brightener does cause the color to get a lighter shade of gray but I was expecting a bright silver color like you would see on a new bolt. Even the old clamps that have been protected by a layer of grease seem to be brighter than what I’m getting. I started out bead blasting, then went to sanding and polishing, prior to plating. What do I do to get bright silver? Help.

Art.

[XK120DHC]

Originally Posted by 69t120

Even the old clamps that have been protected by a layer of grease seem to be brighter than what I’m getting.
Art.

Art;
Seems the replies to "Copy Cad" questions is rather sparce, to say the least..
Being that I'm in the same boat you are, I can't offer any "plating" help, but I can offer one tidbit that might be of assistance.. The types of hose clamps (Tex-Grip & Cheney) used on the XK Jaguar ('48-'60) is a material that doesn't take to plating.. in fact, several people had tried various plates (done professionally), some even got the remains of their clamps back.. the others dissolved..
Obiviously, you are not having that problem, but it might just be more the metal than what you are doing, or not doing, as the case may be..