Home Zinc Plating Kit Set Up | Gateros 10 litre Kit

Home Zinc Plating Kit Set Up | Gateros 10 litre Kit.
In this video I set up my Gateros Zinc Plating 10 Litre Kit and test it out. I am a beginner so this is just my experience and not a tutorial. These chemicals are very dangerous so please take all health and safety precautions from the suppliers.
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[@retrorestore]

If you have any experiences with this Gateros plating kit, please leave a comment below and enjoy the video.

[@dasdasdsdasdasdasd363]

You need a water dip or two before you move from the caustic cleaner to the acid. That's dangerous and why it was fizzing. Then another water dip before you put the part in the electrolyte so you don't contaminate the electrolyte. Also, if you give it more current, irregular shaped parts will be plated more in the deeper recesses of the part. The dull area is known as a shadow because less electricity reaches the recessed areas than the sharp or pointy areas of the job at the same time, which can burn your pointy bits if you use too much current. Or you could use more anodes around the part to cover the shadow. There is a bit of an art to it when plating odd shaped parts. You don't need to wait for the dichromate to dry, just bake it in an oven or similar to dry the passivate. They don't wait a day or two to dry a job in a plating factory. They just chuck it in a dryer from 10 minutes and it's done. Good video for a noob and looks like a good complete kit, just rinse with water before you move from solution to solution to avoid contamination and dangerous reactions and you're good to go.

[@mechtech8066]

At 7.53... the wife shuts the window (keep the frigging heating in) This Guy is brilliant I love his videos he can fix anything.

[@dodgydruid]

Well done there m8, I had all manners of issues setting up, finding out that electrolysis cleaning seemed to really work on some parts. Be careful of anything with chrome or stainless steel, the fumes they chuck out is pretty lethal when you electroplate or electroclean 'em. I copper plate and then use the bright nickel kit for a nearly chrome look and I still got the variable cheapo power adaptor Gateros sent with one of the kits that does it all (one of them 1.5-12v chinese things off of ebay). Copper plating is also a very good pre-silver and gold plating to get that deep shine and copper very good at hiding a lot of sins in the metal :) Another route you can now go down as you have most of the bits you need is aluminium anodising which Gateros did kits for. For the electrocleaning I just used a small plastic dustbin, some thick mains earth copper core to hang the anodes on with a common metal pipe to hang from and a big pack of washing soda and the stuff lasts for ages before the anodes wear out or the mix is too contaminated to clean any more.

[@retrorestore]

Good info Ian, Yes there are many options and I'm still a novice but i'm pleased with the initial results. Cheers Martin

[@dodgydruid]

Forgot to mention, an aquarium air stone is brill for shifting the fluid around and aquarium heaters are good for any plate processes that need a heater :)

[@georgeb7125]

Hey Martin, B-U-T-FUL job my man. You've convinced me to try this. U rock brother . Thx again from the States.

[@retrorestore]

Rock on!

[@dudleyhewett7211]

Brilliant Video! I’ll be buying this kit and using your video as a tutorial when I set it up. Great demonstration of a complicated process made simple enough so even I can follow it. Thanks 👍🏻

[@markhills3922]

Thanks for an informative and well presented tutorial. Just goes to show what a man can achieve when he reads the instructions first.....Something I'm not very good at. i just dive in, do it, and then when I F it, I read the manual.

[@ianmedium]

Brilliant Martin, I know this is the start so you will do all of this as well but I would get warning stickers everywhere and a lockable metal cabinet to store all the solutions and materials in to keep it all extra safe. I’m not a huge health and safety nut but with chemicals I tend to go extra cautious. Also, I would get thicker gloves suitable for chemical use with longer arm sections and a lab coat to protect you, I know it’s hot but please mate, no bare arms, i have seen horrific chemical burns in the past. Goggles at all times as well and you want sterilized water in a bottle with a spout like a ketchup bottle you get in cafes close by so that if something did happen you can irrigate the wound immediately. Keep up the great work Martin, the result looked wonderful.

[@retrorestore]

Some good tips Ian, Cheers Martin

[@Prhbuild]

You made this so much easier to understand. MANY THANKS.

[@retrorestore]

Glad it helped!

[@805ROADKING]

Brilliant Mate!! Let's see some copper and nickel plating!!☺

[@retrorestore]

Thanks bud, gotta master this first lol

[@PompeyMatt17]

at 7:52 that hood was so powerful it sucked the window shut..😂😂..good vid mate..

[@Cubrider]

Once again martin you have put out one of the best explanations on how to. I was thinking of trying this so went to KZbin for help same as I did a couple of years ago when I found you through your corsa clutch video that helped me 1000%. I'm not sure you throughly realise how helpful you are to people. From the guy that dropped you some honey off a couple of years ago on a c90. ( that's what the plating will be for)

[@retrorestore]

Yes, I remember, great honey too.

[@Cubrider]

@retrorestore can I ask Martin, is this one of those things you get , set up then use once and it just takes up room?that's my worry before I sink £200 into it.

[@retrorestore]

@@Cubrider Well, i've only used it twice since the video and it's collecting dust. If you restore stuff on a regular basis, it would get used but if you just repair stuff, maybe not.

[@Cubrider]

@retrorestore hmmm I think for how much I do its probably cheaper and easier to either buy new or send bits off to be plated. Thankyou Martin

[@terencecottington4273]

The more I see of your videos, the more I like. This is something I could put to good use. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@cruiserboy811]

Thanks for the great video i was thinking to send all the stuff to place to a store now you have give me a great idea and way to do my self all the plating for my restoration !!! keep on going many thanks !!!

[@retrorestore]

You are so welcome!

[@Jim77463]

i used to work on a Anodizing plant years ago leave it in the rinse for a good while makes it better finish. I used to produce filtered membrane for the hospitals Brings back memories

[@spanermantim]

The result speaks for itself and your prep work.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Tim, The sandblasting helps.

[@chrislambert8718]

Very helpful many thanks - removed the mystery.......

[@paulelliott2861]

Martin the chemist. Great vid bud. Very informative, thank s mate.

[@retrorestore]

Cheers Paul

[@ClassicCarCave]

Martin, Well impressed with the finish and the coating! top video all you need to know to start plating, Cheers Dave.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Dave, I'm pleased with my first test and it'll come in very handy now. Cheers Martin

[@n0username0n]

Fibreglass line your buckets/tanks mate. Will save any future problems that may come up. Also if you have a tank of water and 5% by volume of nitric acid for after the plating rinse, it brightens the zinc up nicely before you passavate The fumes also arent to hazardous its mostly only hydrogen gas produced in either the acid bath ( caused from stripping old zinc off parts) and hydrogen from the zinc bath as the plating is occuring. Hopefully their maintenance mix has anti bubbling agent in it as the hydrogen traps itself in the bubbles and if you have any arcing across your buzz bar it can set the bubbles off with a bit of a BANG if to many form. Good luck with the plating mate

[@retrorestore]

Thanks for the tips bud, very handy. Cheers Martin

[@davidclarke7656]

I've watched this a number of times now - very helpful thanks!

[@billypalmer4417]

You can eat rata basis chicken

[@MalcOfLincoln]

Great result Martin. Now, electroplating. Only done a bit years ago in the 70s. Carls new bungalow and we needed a copper Aga hood. So, got some mild steel from Dad, made the hood, then some copper sulphate from the chemist. Got a car battery, positive to a paint brush, negative to the hood. Mixed the copper sulphate in a jam jar with water, and tried to paint it on. Not a good result so another jam jar, tipped a bit of battery acid in, dipped paint brush in, painted the hood then with the copper sulphate solution. Worked like a charm. Just looked like antique copper. Was hoping to do a video a while ago but couldn't find any copper sulphate.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Malc, It's interesting though, I like your approach to overcoming the problem. This was my first attempt and I'm pleased with the results.though. Cheers Martin

[@MalcOfLincoln]

Cheers Martin, you should be very pleased with the result. Also it will last for a long time. It was Carl's idea, my friend and mentor I spent my spare time with, and worked for reconditioning car engines. I was lucky to have such a teacher so I can do what I do today.

[@baldrickscunningplan6154]

Don't try to plate after sandblasting. It doesn't work. After blasting, clean parts with wire wheel to remove sand silicate that builds up on blasted parts. Give extra attention to degreasing in hot water. Part must be meticulously clean. Acid etch is also important to get good results and make sure you wash off all the acid. Use very low current over longer periods. Too much current blackens and burns the zinc plating. Most of all be patient. Its not a quick process.

[@barrybakewell5278]

hi martin what a fantastic video that part really looking good hope you do some more videos on this thanks for sharing with us barry

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Barry

[@karma-pe7gw]

Can you do another sketch of you behind bars??? 'Baby, I'm out in 3 months'. I laughed so much...

[@ront841]

Hi Martin I use a toy train power controller as its adjustable for my power its much better than a battery charger, good luck with the zinc plating.

[@retrorestore]

Nice tip Ron, Cheers Martin

[@simonsmith2802]

Ron T hi Ron I would not recommend a train power supply because you need to be able to control the amps and the voltage

[@ront841]

Hi Simon Ive used this power supply for the last 5 years without any problems

[@LEO-xo9cz]

Hi Ron. Have you tried Nickel Plating and do you know what the pros and cons of the two are? How do the finishes differ?

[@professionalidiots101]

Just a word of warning Martin, many of them type of storage boxes go very brittle and very quickly also the same time can apply to the bucket. It maybe a good idea to invest in some second hand demijohns from home brew kits. We would hate for you to get injured or anyone else for that matter. Great video though. 😃

[@retrorestore]

Yes Dan, this is just a test to get it working. I will be making upgrades now I know it works.

[@davidlough2182]

very handy bit of kit martin and what a result! that will come in very handy for the trotter van.

[@retrorestore]

Yes it will Dave , Thanks

[@johnblackburn7673]

Excellent and interesting video. Good to learn with you. Thanks Jack.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Jack.

[@DaveyBadass]

Nice one mate. I can't Wait to see what you manage to spruce up with this.

[@brianpercival1829]

That is a great kit. I've watched the other videos too Martin and you explained it far better better with more detail. The results look great and new parts from old. Good safety tips and the exhaust hood is a good feature.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Bri, Yes i've seen many vids but always thought it looked too complicated so I tried to keep it as simple as I could without too much brain overload.

[@cabdriveruk]

Great Video Martin. I thought you was bomb making with all the ingredients lol. Cheers, Jeff.

[@retrorestore]

Haha Jeff, Not on my watch lol

[@taffy7404]

Well done professor Martin...🤓🕊🇦🇺

[@Cavalier_Steve]

Looks good Martin, the perfect tubs that you could use if they do a nice large 15 litter or so is those clipit style boxes you can fill them up they won’t leak and I have even tried submerging a box in water to do a leak test, I was experimenting using these as a water proof project box hopefully you know what I mean. Great demonstration as always mate! I have been craving one of your videos over the last few days. Cheers.

[@retrorestore]

Haha, Nice one Steve. I may change those boxes but it was my first trial and at least it works now.

[@donovanf1]

That turned out very well Martin. Bearing in mind the cocktail of chemicals that you are using I think that you need to have product immediately available to use in case of spillages etc. Cheers Malcolm

[@retrorestore]

Good point Malc. Cheers Martin

[@vdubs6068]

Great vid Martin 👍good result with the plating

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Jamie.

[@dnixon1974dn]

Nice set up and the First attempt was a win Martin... just like England! lol..

[@retrorestore]

Haha, Yes it was Darren I'm surprised with the views whilst the footie was on lol

[@andrewferguson7762]

Great tutorial Martin as always.Maybe a wee lawnmower carb to show us, perhaps the trotter one ? Cheers

[@davecollumbell4592]

Great video and well explained. I'll be setting mine up soon. thanks

[@retrorestore]

Glad it helped

[@keithf8890]

Nice one,was thinking of trying this myself.Ill have to make a bit more space first.Cheers.

[@Zephieish]

Haha you'll have the gov spying on you with a shopping list like that! :)

[@codycheney3401]

Hey Martin, that looks like it will make things look great om a restoration an well as motor cycle parts ! I am looking forward to seeing more parts done !

[@retrorestore]

I'm please with my first test Cody. More to come.

[@Cubrider]

Great video. Just was everything off well. Remember the solution to polution is dilution.

[@ivorglenn5309]

Great video, where did you get the recipe for the cleaning solution, I cant seem to get my hands on the sodium silicate (water glass), will it still work without it ?

[@retrorestore]

It was in with the kit.

[@robrusticwoodlandproducts6662]

Just finished watching your video now Martin, you’ll have to put some hazardous chemical signs up now .lol. What do you mean you didn’t allow for extra time, it was England haha. Cheers.Rob.

[@DAVEEYEINTHESKY]

great video martin, you will know that process like the back of your hand before you know it, thats a good little setup and it will be great to see you produce some nice clean looking parts with it. i enjoyed this video and i look forward to the next one, as always its a thumbs up from me

[@retrorestore]

I'm pleased with my test part Dave, it will be a big help with the restorations.

[@LEO-xo9cz]

Great video. Very informative. I am confused between Zinc and Nickel Plating. What is the difference between the two in your opinion?

[@retrorestore]

Zinc leaves a brighter finish in my opinion

[@SerenaBluee]

Zinc-Nickel is considered to have much better corrosion resistance than zinc alone, especially when they are both passivated. If done correctly it tends to last upwards of four times as long as only zinc in salt spray tests before brown/red rust comes through.

[@LEO-xo9cz]

@@retrorestore Thanks. I am still learning.

[@LEO-xo9cz]

@@SerenaBluee I want a decorative finish.

[@SerenaBluee]

@@LEO-xo9cz To answer your original question, with proper preperation Nickel will give a much more durable and bright shiny finish than zinc will, but it is worth remembering that the plated part will only look as shiny as the part does before plating. If you mirror finish the part then you'll have a gorgeous mirror finish after plating, but if you just blast them in a cabinet you'll get quite a dull satin finish. **Preperation is key.** With zinc plating the colour depends on the passivate used afterwards, and they are generally available in a silver colour with blue-ish hue, a gold colour with a slight rainbow effect, satin black, or olive drab (military green). Plating companies like Gateros offer a nickel kit which will be a very shiny silver colour with a slightly warmer colour temperature (more yellowish-silver hue), and also a replica chrome kit which is nickel based but has that super bright chrome-like appearance with a cooler colour temperature (more blueish-silver hue). I hope this helps. If you're in any doubt Gateros will be sure to help you out if you contact them.

[@haydenuk02]

Sorry late watching because of England match still can’t believe they won and also Nice going mate love your videos 😎

[@retrorestore]

I couldn't believe we actually won the penalty shoot out too Hayden.

[@PompeyMatt17]

one thing I learned from watching vids..don't dry it before passivating. Out of the zinc, dip in water, straight into the passivate..👍

[@springwoodcottage4248]

Super useful, helpful & encouraging! Thank you for sharing!

[@tomrich4676]

Hello Martin, Over the last two weeks i have watched hours and hours of your videos and you have really inspired me. Such a lovely family and great all round guy. Please keep them coming.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Tom and glad you are enjoying the vids, there's quite a few lol

[@bigdan2766]

Now all you need is a lab coat! Well done Martin great stuff!!

[@retrorestore]

Haha, it wouldn't go with my vest lol

[@IRTGaming.]

Nice one Martin It looks bran new! Keep up the good work!

[@johnstubbs1585]

Wow thats cool you becoming a mad scientist lol next you be setting up a chrome plating area in your polytunnel think that kit is really gona help out for restoration having parts look new again

[@retrorestore]

Yes, John, I've wanted to try this for ages.

[@acumenautomotive2276]

Wow that has worked really well....have you had any issues with other parts? Kind regards...William

[@retrorestore]

No, all has been fine if the parts are cleaned properly.

[@GregsMowing]

Great bit of kit. I have seen on Hayter’s. When they are new. The wheel axle looks like this just copper colour with the odd tint of green. Do you think the part has gone through the same process? Great video Martin

[@retrorestore]

Could be Greg. I'll be able to plate wheel brackets now

[@Thegobstopper61]

As you have power there why not fit a couple of extractor fans. Love the vid sir.👍🏼

[@rogeroconnor5182]

looks nice,will there be any zinc plated parts on the pimped out mower???? lol. here in the states i have used a 3 part paint by eastwood that replicates the zinc coating without all that nasty chemical stuff

[@retrorestore]

Yes Rog, I will be plating the wheel brackets, that's what I have been waiting for so I can finish that mower.

[@edd6113]

Good job, something I keep meaning to have a go with, can you use an old computer power supply? Think the have a multitude of different voltages on the various out puts. Looks like it came out good, couldn't see any shadows through the Internet!

[@retrorestore]

I think there's many different things you could use. Someone said an old toy train transformer works well.

[@berndb.5097]

Wow, fantastic. The result looks really good. But that would be a little too much chemistry for me. Maybe it's not bad that you showed it to me (us) ;-) Great Martin, keep going! cheers Bernd

[@retrorestore]

Once its set up, its fine Bernd, I watched many vids but was put off but now I know.

[@davidvickers9029]

Hi Martin good video, just watch yourself with those chemicals.

[@retrorestore]

Yes I will Dave.

[@brggmc]

Nice video Martin, (but please cover your arms while handling dodgy chemicals, because accidents can happen). Thumbs Up for this one as always!

[@stevenwatson3963]

Well done Mart, cheers for the vid!

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Steve

[@MrJasonm69]

Good demo,good job

[@shazzammagic]

Great stuff Martin with good results, you could use a timelapse/hyperlapse for GoPro to turn items 180 degrees (cheap off eBay) bit like an egg timer, set it for 40 mins and it will turn as it goes. Just an idea?👍

[@retrorestore]

I thought of a baby's cot mobile as well lol. Nice idea.

[@williamweir300]

Thanks for sharing very well explained 👍👍

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Will

[@shawnmrfixitlee6478]

Interesting kit there Martin !

[@Bloodsweatngears24]

Hi Martin, great video, I'm interested in this set up to do all the nuts & bolts on a car I'm restoring, I've just seen another video where the person doing it had every tub/container heated, the whole process only took 5 to 10 mins to plate a bolt which turned out perfect, would this be an additional option do you think?

[@retrorestore]

This was all cold but I have seen vids where the plating solution was warm. Not sure though

[@lamb6745]

Hi Martin I am a test laboratory manager in coventry you need to be aiming for 13 microns of plating that should give you 480 hrs corrosion resistance which is equviliant to 10yrs that is an automotive industry standard for corrosion resistance the standard is astmb117 rev 11 good job buddy

[@retrorestore]

Great info bud. Thanks for that.

[@LEO-xo9cz]

Interesting. What is the difference between Zinc and Nickel Plating. Obviously the metal. What are the key differences in finishes?

[@stebenit]

great result Martin cheers for the vid ,atb Steve

[@DRW1972]

Can you advise if your media blasting cabinet will remove powder coat from metal/aluminium

[@retrorestore]

No bud. Powder coating is too tough to media blast.

[@TNTMOTO]

Great video.

[@baldanddangerous1572]

fantastic bit of kit and not bad on price either ......................all the best martin .......................dougie

[@retrorestore]

Yes Doug, i'm pleased with the results too.

[@josephmachtemes3924]

Hi there friend.. You may have covered this question and I missed it being addressed, but I have some machine hardware I'm thinking about plating. It's plated now with zinc or nickel over brass. Do I need to remove the old plating first or can I plate over the existing plating? Do you think media blasting is the best way to remove the existing plating if I need to? Ok, it's actually 2 questions.. Thanks!

[@retrorestore]

I don't see why you couldn't plate over the existing plating. I prefer media blasting as it removes all the rust and also a clean down with Acetone.

[@josephmachtemes3924]

​@@retrorestore Ok, thank you.. Much appreciated!

[@evojigger]

That's pretty good for a first attempt Martin, be very handy for resto's

[@retrorestore]

Yes, its something I've wanted to try for ages.

[@Jim-ie6uf]

Looks good, could you add two more zinc plates?

[@retrorestore]

Yes I will Jim, just my first test.

[@georgestewart1325]

Perfect what i was looking for.. Cheers mate..

[@retrorestore]

No problem 👍

[@dannycopse8447]

Another Great video Martin

[@ukauction]

Very cool, the Reliant parts will be looking very spiffy once they are replated

[@retrorestore]

And the lawnmowers Alan lol

[@ukauction]

Ahah yes of course - especially TLC !

[@spendtimesavemoneydiy]

Great video, very interesting 👍🏼

[@lorryvg154]

Ha ha tickled me at 10:10 pal gloved hand holding the bottle, with the none gloved hand using the cap to decant the chemical. Good effort on the set up though pal look forward to the vids

[@retrorestore]

Haha, that one wasn't toxic but I get your observation Carl lol

[@jamesrickwood6333]

Do you still use this kit ? I have the same kit but I have a adjustable power supply just wondering what amps and volts you have it set at if you have a adjustable power supply

[@retrorestore]

I have used it a couple of times but want to get a power supply

[@stewartpalmer7039]

I use a timer to regulate the plating time so I don't have to remember to turn it off. I also put my acid in a glass jar in a plastic bucket for additional safety.

[@retrorestore]

Good idea Stu

[@ianvicedomini2648]

It looks kosher martin. Nice one mate

[@retrorestore]

Cheers bud.

[@martinemms8174]

Have you thought about using a slip ring to rotate the part?

[@retrorestore]

I have one now

[@Samberlong]

Interesting Video Martin. Shed Science, very cool.

[@retrorestore]

Haha, never thought of it like that Rob lol

[@portsmouthted1429]

That was a great video, very interesting 👍🏻

[@Ian-xt1mb]

Are you not supposed to wear the supplied mask and eye protection as you mix the chemicals?

[@retrorestore]

We are all our own safety officer bud.

[@Ian-xt1mb]

I was surprised that the instructions did not make this clear. Clearly, some people need more advice than others when it comes to being safe. Just be careful.

[@retrorestore]

Ian, I have to speak on the video but when I am actually using the chemicals, I use the appropriate safety equipment. 21:22 quite clearly shows this bud. Of course the instructions state this.

[@robrusticwoodlandproducts6662]

Martin, the games on, I’ll watch you later. 😆

[@retrorestore]

I didn't allow for extra time Rob lol

[@michaellowery1559]

Looking lovely Martin

[@retrorestore]

Cheers Michael

[@kevinfagan7645]

Brilliant!!!! Thanks so much :)

[@twig3288]

Have you tried the cold galv spray from Screwfix or ToolStation?

[@retrorestore]

Not from there but I do use it.

[@spiderdad00]

Great video

[@shanekneeshaw3483]

Looks to technical for me good luck ps hope your coping well in this weather

[@retrorestore]

Once its set up its fine Shane, Watching other people's vids always frightened me off but now i've done it, i'm happy with it.

[@jamescoleman4747]

I like this demo

[@malcolmyoung7866]

Martin, you sound a little bit 'bunged up'? Hope you are okay? Thanks for the info on this it's something I have been looking into..Cheers...

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Malc, Not been well but feeling a bit better, That's why there's been no vids the past few days.

[@Ajt1994]

Hi Martin received the dvd thank you very much

[@ramdonice]

Awesome video as normal, could you put in another two electrodes so it's coming from all four sides instead of just two sides for a more even coat?

[@retrorestore]

Yes Darren, I will probably do that but this was just my first test.

[@billsmith4840]

Nice job that looks good

[@retrorestore]

Cheers Bill

[@moodyjeep]

Very nice Mart. Baz.

[@retrorestore]

Thanks Baz