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Durable stainless steel finishing with high aesthetics: electrophoretic lacquer?

October 2, 2012

Q. I Live in the UK. I am trying to find a durable but high aesthetic finish for small stainless steel parts. I am a hobbyist and will providing this service to a limited number of people at cost.

I have read on this forum about electrophoretic lacquers (thanks for that!) and would like to explore using these in this application. The parts are to be used in a battery holder for a high drain safe chemistry battery running at around the 2A mark at 4v.

Because the parts have tiny crenellations I'm looking for something that will coat well and not lay down too much thickness. I'm hoping for good durability, strong aesthetics and electrical insulation at the above voltages. Also, I notice that post dyes are available from various companies, some of which (particularly in the USA) are really beautiful.

My questions are:
Are electrophoretic lacquers the best solution here?
Can these lacquers be applied by the hobbyist with some knowledge of electroplating?
Is there a supplier who might sell in the small quantities I am looking for?
What post-dye options are there?

I have had some difficulty finding such a supplier in the UK and so would consider the EU/ USA/ elsewhere if this is financially feasible.

Many thanks in advance for any assistance.

Paul Green
Hobbyist/ small manufacturer - Caernarfon, Gwynedd, UK

adv.