Searching for a particular finish on steel

[Budge]

I yearn for the old days - when things weren't dangerous..... Blue Chips: I did a bit of Googling and as Ross365 said, here in the UK cadmium plating is only allowed on military things and aircraft parts.

 

[Budge]

Thanks Misterg. I've already stripped my parts using a wire wheel (so have no original coating as a point of reference. And i had it zinc-plated (not by the local plater that has now closed down). The finish was poor with liquid stains on the surface. I might try wiping it over with something nasty but i risk completely removing the zinc or leaving it looking even more streaky than it is. If that happens, my 'Plan B' would probably be a rattle can.

 

[prepman]

I use https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/202434926588 for welded joints.
Might be suitable?

 

[GRW]

It's looks like time-aged zintec to me (lots of generator canopies are zintec then powder-coated.
I have some zintec sheet in the shed left over from making a bin store - it's brighter new but has an even, smooth, consistent finish

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Try Frost. They did something similar to what you are after.

 

[Budge]

Thanks for the latest replies folks. It could well be time-aged Zintec. Whatever it is, it was done in the mid 60s. Time is not on my side, so I may need to fake the equivalent finish. I've looked at a few rattle can colours but will see what Frost has to offer. they already get a bit of business from me.

 

[Keithmac]

Could you not dull it down with some Scotchbrite pads?.

 

[Budge]

Thanks Keithmac. I thought of wet and dry. Anything that avoids obvious scratches catching the light. I may try that first but want a 'plan b'. if it looks sh*t. By chance, and when looking for something else, I stumbled on this today ' 'cold galv' paint. I use weld-thru primer for welding. This seems similar but different. I've bought something cheap from Toolstation. I'm hoping it's more white/ grey colour (like the photo here) and less silver.

 

[joebog1]

In Australia, that material ( origional pics ) is called Zincalum. Its cheap and readily available. Impossible to solder though, and welding isnt easy, usually resulting in grapes instead of a bead.
I use it lots and lots to make amplifier and radio chassis and parts. Its great because it doesnt scratch easily or show up minor dents.
I usually but offcuts from my local plumber for just a few bob. My two pics show just a blank sheet, and a partly completed chassis. They have been laying around for yonks and were made from scrap to begin with.
It can be very easily cleaned though with an OLD scotchbrite, meaning not sharp. It comes up like brand new.

Joe

 

[Budge]

That really does look like the stuff. I wonder if 'zincalume' is the same as 'zintec' - just different name for different countries.

 

[joebog1]

I think you are right Budge.
Same sh*t different country :-).

Joe

 

[Johnnybravo]

It’s not the same as zintek as is got aluminium in the coating. Look up aluzinc, I think Ssab make it. It is available in the U.K.

 

[Budge]

Thank you. That makes sense. i originally described the finish on my parts as looking as though they were anodised. I know that's not the case, but maybe it's 'zincalume' and the aluminium is giving the light/ white finish I was seeing. It would be great if I could retrospectively get the parts re-coated in 'zincalume'. I'll follow that lead up.