Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

finishing.com -- The Home Page of the Finishing Industry

The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

What is this yellow finish on steel?

December 6, 2010

Hello,

I have a finish that I am trying to identify, on a steel part. The finish leaves the steel with a transparent yellow finish. I have seen this finish before, usually on electronics parts or inexpensive automotive parts. I want to identify the finish and ascertain how well it resists corrosion/rust in a typical outdoor environment.

56291

Can anyone help, or point me in the right direction?

Eric Heiberg
product designer - Long Valley, New Jersey

December 7, 2010

Hi, Eric. This looks like zinc-nickel plating with an iridescent yellow chromate conversion coating. It could, of course, be a different zinc alloy before the conversion coating, or even plain zinc plating. I doubt that it would be sufficient for outdoor exposure however, although it would perhaps be okay for under-hood application. But you really need to find out what it is before you can estimate its life expectancy. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: