Zinc Plating input

[BrianS]

Wanted to get some feedback on a zinc plating question.  I got back a bunch of parts that I had rezinced and overall I am very pleased.  Actually, I am amazed at how good most all of the pieces turned out.  I had two pieces that just didn't seem right so the plater asked me to send them back - which I did.  One piece came back great, but the other they said they could not do anything with.  Unfortunately the piece that didn't turn out is a very visible piece.  Its the main door latch handle.  I sent two handles in and there was no real difference in the condition between the two.  At least not signigficant enough that I noticed anything while packing them up.  One handle now looks almost brand new, the other almost unuseable.  Can anyone share if this is a common thing when replating parts and what to possibly look for before sending pieces off to the plater?   Also, any thougths on treatments that might make it a bit more presentable?   By the way, I have no complaints with the plater.  They were great to deal with and the other parts, (probably around 100 in all)  really look nice.

[collecture]

I have pieces plated all the time and I send 500-1000 down at a time. If they didn't loose anything, then I think you are doing well!
But wear or surface rust is enough to dull the finish. If you notice the rest of the handle is nice, but the part that was grabbed a lot has the dull finish.
When I get some mechs back, you can certainly tell where the rusty areas were. So far, nothing that I have found can help with the blemish.

[SIGNGUY]

Yeah, have seen that alot on hanldes... it may not have been very visible when you sent it in, but that area was pitted just enought as to when they acid dip it to clean it i, it really defines the pitted area and it shows when plated..
only other option if your going to keep that handle is you could have it chromed, and during that process they can copper fill it and then polish and then chrome it but you'll have alot more money into it..
personally if you need it to look great.. just buy a new one from Rod for $50.00 and keep it as a spare?

[johnnyselman]

 You  can  sand and polish the pits out then send it  to be re-zinced. I would start out with about 180 grit on a DA sander locked (non orbit) then move up to 400 then 6-800. You can make steel look nearly like chrome if you work at it.

[collecture]

I have been thinking of trying that! It would have to be something worth the time though.