Backing plates were galvanized from the factory originally, not zinc plated. The biggest issue today besides finding someone to do them is the fact that galvanizing today is different than it was 50 years ago. My experience has shown that the galvanizing today has much larger flakes than they did years ago due in part to the chemicals as well as the process. I have never been able to find anyone that can replicate the originals.
I either send mine in for zinc plating (only so that I have a good base) or media blast them down to a good surface. Then I use 4 different colors of silver and grey and mottle the backing plates much like you would do painting a wall. The results give a simulated galvanizing effect instead of the real thing but at least they are not bright shinny zinc.
|