How to: Copper & Nickel Plate Ductile Iron
Electroplating involves depositing a thin layer of an expensive metal onto the surface of an inexpensive metal via electrolysis. During this process, both metal pieces are placed in a solution that is conducive to electric cell transfer. They are then connected to positive- and negative-charged leads that are attached to a power source such as a battery or power adapter. Once the source is plugged in, the electricity causes the electrolytic cells of the expensive metal to transfer to the inexpensive metal. This process is often used for refurbishing antiques or tools or changing the appearance of a metal piece.
Things You'll Need
- Copper plating solution
- Nickel plating solution
- Gloves
- Goggles
- 2 beakers
- Wall-mounted power adapter with alligator clips
Instructions
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1
Buy copper and nickel plating solution from your local hardware store or an online electroplating kit retailer. Avoid accidental eye or skin contact by putting on the gloves and goggles.
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2
Fill the first beaker with enough copper plating solution to fully submerge the ductile iron piece being plated. The beaker should also be wide enough to fit the copper piece and the ductile iron piece without them coming in contact with each other.
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3
Connect the copper piece to the positive-charged alligator clip and the ductile iron piece to the negative-charged alligator clip and put both pieces into the solution. Ensure that the alligator clips are not touching.
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4
Plug the power adapter into the nearest electrical socket. Allow the plating process to continue until the ductile iron assumes the physical characteristics of the copper. This can be observed by looking through the beaker or occasionally removing the ductile iron from the beaker for a visual inspection.
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5
Disconnect the alligator clips and dry the ductile iron piece with a rag once plating is complete.
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6
Pour the nickel plating solution into the second beaker in the same manner as the copper plating solution in Step 2.
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7
Attach the nickel piece to the positive-charged alligator clip and the ductile iron piece to the negative-charged alligator clip. Do not allow the clips to touch. Plug the power adapter back into the nearest electrical circuit and allow the plating process to continue until the ductile iron piece assumes all the physical characteristics of the nickel piece.
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Tips & Warnings
If the pieces touch during the plating process, dark stains may appear on the ductile iron or the coating of the material being plated onto the ductile iron may appear uneven or splotchy.
If the alligator clips touch while the wall-mounted power adapter is plugged in, an electrical shortage can occur.
