I'm involved in a project with pot metal parts. They're dark gray. Is there something to soak them in that will restore the brighter color? I don't expect it to be shiny, but it sure would be nice to have the parts bright! Maybe a dull silver. Blasting is a possibility, but I no longer have my blast cabinet; the gravity feed Harbor Freight isn't effective (can it be modified?) Thanks!
If you're trying to restore the 'as-cast' finish, you'll need some sort of 'dip'. I'd look for a dip for metal (used on jewelery and/or silver tableware), or maybe even some Oxiclean. Rinse very well after use....
Can you tell us a little more about the parts. Potmetal is mostly zinc and any acid or caustic will etch and darken it. Best bet is glass bead blasting or scotchbrite wheel or pads by hand.
I've done it with some aluminum cleaner I had laying around, the cleaner was older than me. But it cleaned it then I buffed it. It ended up looking like chrome. Btw it a old cast model A pulley. it's been too long to remember if it was pot metal but from I remember it was similar. Good luck!
Give the wife a hundred bucks to go shopping that way she is gone for the day and you have total use of the dishwasher. Works great and she will think you are a great guy. Just remember to run a cycle after the parts are clean to remove any stuff left in the machine. When she gets home she will probably make it worth your while for the shopping trip. Or if you live alone just use the dishwasher and save the hundred bucks for car parts.
35yrs in plating business says 1.diecast varies in make up but is usually some version of zinc,tin and sometimes a bit of lead and antimony .any dip that is caustic or acidic WILL eat it up . Blasting is problematic cause its very soft. so that leaves only walnut shells or some such ,for blasting or polish by hand using purple polish .Dont be tempted to use a buffing machine unless youve had lots of experience.soft as a bar of soap when it gets hot !
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