Author Topic: Brightening dull zinc plating?  (Read 1328 times)

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Offline Nathan S

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Brightening dull zinc plating?
« on: October 07, 2008, 04:25:40 pm »
Can it be done?

I've got a NOS rear sprocket here, but the zinc is looking pretty shit - its dull and grey and discoloured.

Is it possible to get it to shine again, without going to the effort of getting the whole thing re-plated?

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oldfart

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Re: Brightening dull zinc plating?
« Reply #1 on: October 07, 2008, 04:35:42 pm »
Hit it with a buff using a coasre fibre  wheel with either Grey or brown compound .
Failing this battery acid will strip the zinc off.

Doc

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Re: Brightening dull zinc plating?
« Reply #2 on: October 10, 2008, 10:28:48 am »
Nathan, you could try something like jewelery cleaner..Tarn-Off. Maybe even that alkyline degreaser..CT18 I think it is? possibly the humble lemon may work as well (not the oldfart type Lemon! he wouldn't work in an iron lung! :P just kiddin' Stew :-*) Oven cleaner perhaps?? Steel wool and polish won't have it looking factory, it will be bright and shiney but not like it should be ;)

Offline maicomc490t

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Re: Brightening dull zinc plating?
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2008, 07:08:12 pm »
Try rubbing over with vinegar Nate - it's a very safe mild acid.
Another one that works for me sometimes is a couple of goes in the dish washer along with the nights load (that's dishes etc I'm talking about, not the other type of dish washer!!!, lol)   :o
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