Surface Treatment Chemicals

Am I alone in thinking that most 'speciality' chemicals for the pre-treatment of metals prior to plating are just commodity acids and alkali's with a fancy brand name ?

For example a 25 litre container of phosphoric acid 81% should cost no more than £75.00, less for a larger volume and even less for an 18% solution.

The same applies for Sulphuric, Hydrochloric, Caustic Soda and Sodium Chlorate etc..