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Plating to prevent rust

2004

Hi,

I have a question. It is obviously not practical to plate anything at home and expect it to look like it came out of a million dollar shop. What I need is after using electrolysis to de-rust a part, to fill this virgin steel surface with "something". Can anything be done with electrical means to fill the steel so that it will not rust? The appearance is irrelevant.

Thank you,

Random Gott
inventor - Atlanta, Georgia, USA

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I think you can just dip the part in a copper sulphate ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] solution, which would require no electricity. This is called immersion plating. However I not real familiar with immersion plating so hopefully somebody else will reply.

Jason Deible
plating - Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
2004

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As you say, using electrolytic systems is not practicable at home unless you know exactly what you are doing. Electroless (immersion) coatings are often not very adherent and tend to fall off or allow corrosion to start again later. Why not use a plastic resin, such as the sort used to mend rust holes and dents in cars. This can be easily rubbed down to give an excellent surface that can then be painted to prevent further corrosion. If the steel is prepared properly and the correct paint used, this could last for years in the most severe atmospheres.

Trevor Crichton
R&D practical scientist
Chesham, Bucks, UK
2004