How to Electroplate Steel

Electroplated Padlock

Electroplating uses electrical current to induce plating, a process where a thin layer of a metal coats an object. Through electrodeposition, metal ions are dissolved in an electrolyte solution and plated on a cathode. Electroplating is often used to make a material more durable or to add thickness when manufacturing parts.

Things You'll Need

• Vinegar
• Salt
• Alligator clips
• Glass container
• Steel sheet or wire
• Nail
• Plastic spoon

Instructions

1. Cut off the end of a power supply cord and strip the insulation from the wires. Attach the alligator clips to the two separated wires.

2. Make a solution of salt and vinegar (add salt until it no longer dissolves). Add the piece of steel and the nail (or other material you wish to plate) with their ends sticking out of the solution.

3. Clip the positive lead to the steel (anode) and the negative lead to the nail or other material.

4. Plug in the power supply and wait. Signs that the process is working include bubbles on the nail and darkened, tarnished steel. It may take up to half an hour for the steel to fully plate the nail.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also buy electrolyte solutions for electroplating from sources like EPI (see Resources).

• Avoid allowing the anode and cathode to touch. There should be at least an inch separating them.

Resources

• EPI: Electroplating