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Zinc Plating - Advantages of different finishes.

Can you advise if the yellow / gold finish that zinc plated work is sometimes finished with,has any advantages or disadvantages for steel that is later powder coated. We normally specify the matte/satin chrome looking finish. I have been told the gold finish improves corrosion resistance, but cannot take the heat of powder coat preheating and also tends to absorb moisture which would in turn detract from corrosion performance?

John Bransby
1998

I don't believe yellow chromate on zinc will have any specific advantage in your application. It will not handle more than 58 Degrees C, and will behave the same as the clear chromate. Some of our customers who zinc plate before powder coating specify No passivation (chromate).

Scott Howard
- Johannesburg, South Africa
March 7, 2009