Zinc Plug N Plate Dark Streaks/Coverage Capacity Questions

[ms042180]

Hello, I have two questions about the Zinc Plug N Plate kit and can't seem to find any answers to my questions.

First question: I bought a Plug N Plate kit for Zinc and my plating turned out great at first (my first batch and using about 1 flid ounce of solution) but then seemed to develop dark streaks after about 3 minutes, which rubbed off and revealed a successful Zinc plating underneath. I'm plating the ends of steel electrical conduit tube to protect the ends of the tube after cutting, which I have turning on a bed of casters which I use for all my finishing work. I have the clip end brushing the tube while the applicator brush applies the solution. Prep: I sanded down the ends of the tube with 100 grit sand paper (aluminum oxide?) to round off the edges to a nice "spun metal" look, then wiped the area clean both inside and out with a damp paper towel (clean tap water) then immediately plated afterwards. The outside of the tube is galvanized plated from the steel manufacturer and is coated on the inside with grey primer which doesn't rub off. The dark streaks don't appear to be hindering the plating, but just seems like smut similar to the silver plating process.

My second question is: How many square feet can the Zinc Plug N Plate kit cover with about .0005 zinc plate and how long does it take to apply (hypothetically speaking if I were to rub in the same spot about the size of a dime for a period of time)? I looked in the technical support section and found estimated coverage, but it had all the other metals except zinc. How do I know when it's "out" and how do I replenish it (like in the larger kits), or do I buy another 8oz bottle of solution?

Sorry for so many questions, I've looked for hours and can't seem to find the answers I'm looking for.

Thank You for your time and thanks in advance for your responses.
--Mike--

[ms042180]

Nevermind on the black streaks. It turned out that I wasn't applying it long enough. I applied it for an additional couple of minutes and it turned out beautifully!

Which still leaves my second question unanswered about the coverage capacity and replenishing.


Thanks Again!
--Mike--

[lcaswell]

The zinc solution will cover approx 2-3 sq ft. Immersion plating to 0.0005" would take approx 10 minutes, so expect the same, theorectically, for brush plating the exact same area with the wand.

Also, the wand in the zinc kit will wear away. When the zinc strip in the wand is gone, it's time to buy a new one.

You can't replenish Plug N Plate solutions. You'll need to buy a new bottle when it's all used up.

[ms042180]

Can I get away with adding more zinc to the wand (zinc scraps) by wrapping it in the bandage with the existing zinc? If not, can I still use the same solution if the zinc runs out on the wand, or do I have to replace the wand and the solution at the same time?

Thanks Again!
--Mike--