Metal Component Restoration

Old can be new again

How can worn-out metal objects look brand new? It sounds like a tip from a grandmother’s advice book, but in reality, it’s entirely possible—and even feasible on an industrial scale.

Metal objects are all around us: shopping carts, furniture components, decorative elements, car rims, gate fittings, bike racks, fences, and more. Like everything else, metal objects wear out over time. However, restoring their original shine isn’t as difficult as it may seem.

For professional restoration, Wietpol Aerospace specializes in chemical galvanization. We offer a comprehensive range of services and expert guidance on how to bring metal components back to life.

Companies that specialize in buying used shopping carts often turn to us for help. They want to restore their carts’ original appearance and functionality.

These items are constantly exposed to weather conditions, which lead to corrosion. As a result, they deteriorate faster, lose their shine, and start looking worn out or neglected.

At the same time, shopping carts are expensive, making frequent replacements impractical for businesses. That’s why restoring and refurbishing them is a cost-effective and sustainable solution.

Marek Łucki/ Deputy Director of Production

Bath restoration process

Wietpol Aerospace restores steel objects using an advanced electro-galvanizing line.

Step 1: Degreasing – The process begins with degreasing the components in alkaline solutions with a high pH.
Step 2: Rust & Scale Removal – The object is then cleaned of rust and scale by immersion in a low-pH acid solution.
Step 3: Electro-Galvanizing – The actual electro-galvanizing takes place in mildly acidic baths, giving the object a shiny, adhesive, and highly corrosion-resistant coating.
Step 4: Protective Lacquer – To enhance durability, an additional lacquer layer is applied, ensuring the coating matches that of brand-new shopping carts or other refurbished steel elements.

This means not every damaged cart or urban furniture piece needs to be replaced—sometimes, a simple refresh is enough to restore both appearance and functionality.

For extra durability and aesthetic appeal, the zinc coating can be finished with passivation in various colors.

Fully Automated Process
The entire process is automated—shopping carts and other items move through the electro-galvanizing baths without human intervention. A fully automated production line ensures seamless transportation between treatment tanks, with each stage controlled by a customized program that optimizes the bath conditions for each object.

Eco-conscious approach

The electro-galvanizing process has a promising future—after all, continuously buying new products isn’t sustainable when restoration is an option. Renovation is significantly more cost-effective than purchasing a brand-new item.

However, cost savings aren’t the only reason companies choose restoration over replacement. An increasing number of businesses are striving to act responsibly and care for the environment.

By opting for restoration, companies help reduce metal waste, preventing the accumulation of scrap metal and promoting reuse, which is a more sustainable solution for both businesses and the planet.

Sample pricing

Shopping Cart Restoration (75L)

The restoration process included removal of the old coating and application of a new zinc coating.

Specifications:

✔ Weight: ~16 kg
✔ Dimensions: 500x800x950 mm
✔ Order Quantity: 100 units

Client Requirements:

The client provided carts with plastic components removed and wheels detached (we can handle this step upon request).
The order included removing the old coating and applying a new zinc layer.
Transportation costs were not included, but dedicated transport services were available.
Option to apply an additional protective lacquer layer.
The client arranged their own pickup and delivery.

Pricing:
✔ Starting from 52 PLN per unit
✔ New shopping cart price: ~300 PLN per unit
✔ Total savings on 100 carts: 22,000 PLN (including transport costs)

Restoration = Significant Cost Savings
Instead of replacing old carts, refurbishing them provides a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution!

52 zł (from) per unit

Washing
Removal of old coating
Degreasing
Pickling (acid treatment)
Electro-galvanizing (zinc coating)
White passivation
Application of protective lacquer
Drying