Plating Question

[mrrec]

I think a little summary is in order here as there appears to be some confusion in terminology and finishes.

Zinc plating can appear dull to shiny, rough to smooth - depends on the surface finish of the part AND plating time and current.

Cadmium plating (Cad) is applied OVER the Zinc base. There is YELLOW cad (most brake boosters) and WHITE cad (Zinc appearance). As mentioned, Cad is applied to increase durability of the Zinc. Polish the zinc plated part before cad and you'll have shiny cad. Bead blast or wire wheel and you'll have a more subdued cad. Etc.

You can finish the part to appear virtually the same with Zinc alone or with the addition of Cad. Plating time and current does affect finish as well. I do my own zinc plating and use "copycad" from Caswell. Some photos are on my website. Real Cadmium is nasty and is not something a home shop wants to mess with.......

Dave