You Can't Plate Aluminum Without Zincate Pre-Treatment For Aluminum

Using  Zincate Solution, aluminum can be pre-treated, and then plated in one of our plating kits. The problem:- Aluminum forms an oxide layer the minute it is exposed to air. This presents a problem when plating aluminum, as the oxide layer prevents the plate from sticking. By using the Zincate process as a pre-plate dip, we chemically remove the oxide layer and at the same time, apply a layer of zinc. The zinc protects the aluminum until it is ready to be plated. As the part is lowered into the plating tank, the zinc is etched away by the nickel solution and plating proceeds onto a clinically clean surface.

The process:- 

1. Bead blast the part to remove all heavy oxides and contaminants. 

2. Buff & polish the part to the required shine. 

3. Thoroughly degrease the part in either SP Degreaser or a suitable solvent such as acetone or lacquer thinner. 

4. Make up the zincate solution by adding 1 liter of concentrate to 3 liters of distilled water. 

5. Heat the solution to 75°F Immerse the solution for 15 sec. to 2 minutes. Immersion time will depend on the alloy, zincate condition and temperature. 

6. If the alloy reacts violently with the solution, then shorten the time immersed. If no reaction is visible, then immersion times can be extended.

A uniform gray appearance is usually a sign of a properly zincated surface, however there are cases where a dark, slightly streaked surface is acceptable. As the zincate solution is depleted, there will be a noticeable increase in the gassing. You can replenish the solution by adding about 10% of the Zincate Concentrate, or simply make up a new batch.

Rinse the part and prepare for plating in any of our nickel plating kits.