Plating Options

Rust inhibitors

All metals

Varies with type

Oils, greases etc. Vary in color and film thickness. Usually applied to black oxide finishes. Used to protect parts in transit & temporary storage.

Zinc, electroplated

All metals

Very good

Blue to blue-white gray color.

Cadmium, electroplated

Most metals

Excellent

Bright silver-gray, dull gray or black finish. Particularly effective corrosion protection in marine applications. Used for decorative purposes. Lubricate well.

Clear chromate finish

Zinc & cadmium

Very good to excellent

Clear bright or iridescent chemical conversion plated parts coating applied to plated parts to enhance corrosion protection, coloring & paint bonding.

Dichromate

Zinc & cadmium

Very good to excellent

Yellow, brown, green or iridescent colored plated parts coating. Same as clear chromate.

Color chromate finish

Zinc & cadmium

Very good to excellent

Olive drab, blue, gold, bronze, etc. Same as plated parts clear chromate.

Zinc or Manganese

Steel

Good

Black in color. Added protection when oiled Phosphate with a non-drying petroleum oil containing corrosion inhibitors. Lubricate well

Color phosphate coatings

Steel

Superior to regular

Chemically produced color coating. Available phosphate & oiled surfaces in blue, green, red, purple, etc.

Hot-dip zinc

All metals

Very good

Gives maximum corrosion protection. Dull grayish color. Necessitates thread size adjustments to permit ease of assembly

Mechanically deposited

Steel

Very good

Dull gray, smooth finish. Corrosion protection zinc depends on coating thickness. Good coverage in recesses & thread roots.

Tin, electroplated

All metals

Excellent

Silver-gray color. Excellent corrosion protection for parts in contact with food.

Silver, electroplated.

All metals

Excellent

Decorative, expensive, excellent electrical conductor.

Chromium, electroplated

Most metals

Good

Bright blue-white, lustrous finish. Has relatively hard surface. Used for decorative purposes or to add wear resistance.

Copper, electroplated

Most metals

Fair

Used for nickel & chromium plate undercoat. Can be blackened & relieved to obtain antique, statuary & venetian finishes.

Brass, electroplated,

Steel, usually

Fair

Brass electroplated which is then lacquered. Recommended for indoor decorative use.

Bronze, electroplated,

Steel, usually

Fair

Has color similar to 80% copper, 20% zinc alloy. Electroplated & then lacquered. Recommended only for indoor decorative use.

Bright nickel

Most metals

Indoor excellent. Outdoor

Electroplated silver-colored finish good if thickness at least 0.0005 inches Used for appliances, hardware, etc.

Dull nickel

Most metals

Same as bright nickel

Whitish cast. Can be obtained by mechanical surface finishing or a special plating bath.

Anodizing

Aluminum

Excellent

Acid electrolytic treatment. Frosty-etched appearance. Hard oxide surface gives excellent protection.