What Is Zinc Plating & How Does It Work?

May 5, 2025

Zinc plating is one of the most popular and cost-effective metal finishing processes used today, offering superior corrosion resistance and an attractive finish across a wide range of industries. At The Bass Plating Company, we’ve specialized in zinc plating for over 75 years, helping customers protect their parts and extend product life with precision and care. In this blog, we’ll break down what zinc plating is, how it works, and why it’s an excellent choice for many applications.

What Is Zinc Plating?

Zinc plating is the process of applying a thin layer of zinc to the surface of a metal part, typically steel or iron, through electroplating. The zinc layer acts as a sacrificial coating—meaning it corrodes in place of the underlying metal—providing a protective barrier against rust and corrosion. Zinc plating is widely used in industries like automotive, construction, electronics, and hardware manufacturing, where durability and corrosion protection are critical.

How Does Zinc Plating Work?

The zinc plating process typically involves several key steps:

Cleaning and Surface Preparation: Before plating, the metal parts are thoroughly cleaned to remove oils, dirt, rust, and oxides. This may involve alkaline cleaning, acid pickling, or abrasive blasting to ensure the surface is perfectly clean for optimal adhesion.

Rinsing: The parts are rinsed to remove any remaining cleaning chemicals or debris.

Electroplating (Zinc Bath): The parts are placed in a plating bath containing a zinc salt solution and connected to an electrical current. The zinc ions in the solution are reduced and deposited onto the surface of the metal part, creating a uniform zinc coating.

Post-Treatment and Finishing: After plating, parts may undergo additional treatments such as passivation (to enhance corrosion resistance), drying, or polishing. Some applications also require a chromate conversion coating or sealing to improve durability and appearance.

Benefits of Zinc Plating

Zinc plating offers several valuable benefits:

Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Zinc forms a protective oxide layer that prevents moisture and air from reaching the base metal.

Sacrificial Protection: Even if the coating is scratched, zinc will corrode before the underlying metal, extending the life of the part.

Attractive Appearance: Zinc-plated parts have a bright, clean finish that can be further enhanced with chromate treatments for various color options.

Cost-Effective: Zinc plating is relatively inexpensive compared to other corrosion-resistant coatings, making it a popular choice for high-volume production.

Common Applications of Zinc Plating

Zinc plating is used across countless industries and products, including:

Automotive components (brackets, fasteners, chassis parts)

Construction hardware (nails, screws, bolts)

Electrical and electronic connectors

Industrial machinery parts

Household appliances and tools

Why Trust Bass Plating for Zinc Plating?

At Bass Plating, we combine decades of hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver high-quality, high-volume zinc plating services. Our team understands the unique demands of every industry we serve, and we’re committed to providing:

Fast turnaround times

Large-piece and high-volume capacity

Consistent, reliable coating quality

We don’t just plate parts—we build relationships. Our dedication to craftsmanship, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction has made us a trusted partner for manufacturers and fabricators since 1950.

Get a Free Quote Today!

Ready to protect your parts with professional zinc plating? Contact Bass Plating today for a free quote and let us show you why so many customers rely on us for their metal finishing needs. Call us, visit our website, or submit your quote request online—we’re ready to help you get the job done right.