Copy Cad & Chromating

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There is one line in the plating manual about dipping the zinc plated part into 1% battery acid solution to brighten the finish. Will this "clear chromate" the part or just brighten the finish for awhile? Could I still "yellow chromate" the object later? Thanks.

[mcaswell]

It removes some of the zinc, exposing new metal. It just brightens the existing finish.

You should always try to chromate onto fresh zinc for best results, although you could use the above procedure and then chromate.

Remember that chromating also removes some of the zinc layer, so make sure you have a good, thick layer of zinc.