Zinc Plating Kit
 

Got my latest Eastwood catalog and came across this DIY zinc plating kit they offer for $74. Looks like a decent solution for a nice chrome-like finish on the small metal parts we often find rusted on our restorations. The reviews are mostly positive but they do leave one questioning how close to chrome it really is; or is it closer to silver paint. Eastwood is high-quality equipment so I want to believe their claims.

Does anyone have experience using this kit? I would be interested in your thoughts on it.

Here is a picture from their site that illustrates the results from zinc plating.
http://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-s-t...ng-system.html
http://www.eastwood.com/media/catalo.../ptinzince.jpghttp://www.eastwood.com/media/catalo.../ptinzincf.jpg

IMHO, Eastwood makes great products, but I've never seen a zinc finish that looks anywhere near what chrome looks like. Good for stuff that was zinc coated originally though, and zinc is an excellent rust inhibitor.

Yeah, zinc plated = galvanized. It doesn't look fancy, but does prevent rust. Only chrome looks like chrome, but nickel is nice too, and (typically) a little easier.

FYI, Caswell sells a bunch of kits for DIY plating. The ones that really work are expensive, but the plug n plate one should be decent for goofing around with a couple small parts. I used one once a long time ago. Probably cheaper just to go to a local plating shop for most things. www.caswellplating.com/