Galvanizing

[Mike53]

I recently made enquiries about having my already galvanized boat trailer re-galvanized. I was told this was not possible unless all the old galvanizing was removed first. The advice was unless the existing galvanizing was in very poor order just put up with its shabby appearance. When the trailer does need re-galvanizing considering the old galvanizing will need stripping the price is likely to be prohibitive.

I am wondering why it cannot just be reintroduced to the bath of molten zinc and come out all shiny & new again?

Look forward to replies.

Mike

 

[Stivino]

Just google Re-galvanising and have a wee read.
http://tinyurl.com/cw78qgr

 

[Alarm]

You really cannot re-dip this. It would not work correctly and probably get worse. Also its not just zinc it is hydrochloric acid too,( also used in case hardening for shotguns for example).

Even if you cleaned all of the external coating the internal ( yes internal, look at the holes spaced about, its to go inside too) parts as well, and to stop the metal exploding with the heat involved.

Right enough of the bad news, clean off the rust as well as possible and use an inhibitor.
Now......................choose a nice colour..............and get the trailer powder coated! There is bound to be a powder coaters somewhere near you with either a reasonable sized spray booth or a conveyor run. Ask nicely and they can squeeze you into a standard colour run, such as white or black.........Although any RAL colour can be used, but a box of powder costs about £200.00 so a standard colour is cheaper.
This will make the trailer look like new and give many years of rust protection. Powder coating after hot dip galvanizing is industry standard.

I hope this helps, used to have a spray booth when I managed another company and we would powder coat just about anything people brought in. My specialty was motorcycle wheels !

Used to manage a security equipment manufacturing company, hence I know a bit about this

 

[Alarm]

Edit

Double post.