How To: Galvanize metal objects for rust protection with zinc

Rust protection doesn't have to cost a fortune. With a little zinc and some electricity, you can protect your precious metals from rust by galvanization. When you galvanize something, you're giving it a protective coating, and in this case, it's a zinc coating.

Watch this science video tutorial from Nurd Rage (Dr. Lithium) on how to galvanize metal objects for rust protection with zinc.

First get 30g of zinc sulfate and dissolve it into 100mL of water. See how to make zinc sulfate from the video How to make copper sulfate and zinc batteries.

Then connect the item you want to galvanize to the negative terminal of a 5 volt power supply. Connect the positive terminal to a strip of zinc metal. See how to get zinc metal from the video How to get zinc, carbon rods and MnO2 from lantern batteries.

Immerse both electrodes into the zinc sulfate solution and keep them from touching. Then turn on the current and run it for about one minute to give the metal a zinc coating.

Remove the object and now it's galvanized.

To test the rust protection, place it on top of a paper towel soaked in saltwater. You should also place an unprotected item next to it for a good comparison. Cover the towel to prevent evaporation and wait a day or two.

The treated object should remain rust-free, perhaps developing a white crusty coating. The untreated object should start to rust.

Brought to you by one of WonderHowTo's favorite scientists, NurdRage.