How to Silverplate a Trumpet
The best way to silverplate a trumpet involves running an electrical current through it to make its metal conductive. While receiving a positive charge, the trumpet is dipped into a tank of negatively charged silver solution, which causes the silver molecules to adhere to the trumpet. Because the procedure is slightly dangerous and involves extensive set-up and protective gear, it is probably best left to experts. An easier option is to purchase a do-it-yourself plating kit. It is hard to get the same professional quality with a kit, but using one is safer.
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Instructions
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Wipe the trumpet thoroughly with the cloth, removing dirt and debris. Do not polish the trumpet, even though the plating kit instructions says to do so. Non-silver trumpets have a lacquer finish that makes polish unnecessarily and potentially harmful to the instrument.
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2
Plug in the power pack included with the plating kit.
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3
Choose a plating wand from the kit's selection and connect it to the power pack. For the larger, flatter areas of the trumpet choose a bigger wand. For detail work in the contours of the trumpet, such as between the valves, choose one of the smallest wands, or nibs.
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Clip one supply output wire from the power pack to the wand. Clip the other to the trumpet.
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5
Pour a small amount of silverplating solution, included in the plating kit, into a small plastic container. The lid of the plating solution container can be used.
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Dip the wand into the bottle of solution for 30 seconds, saturating it with solution.
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Swab the trumpet with the wand. The silver solution will transfer from the wand to the trumpet. Do not hold the wand in one place for too long, which could singe the trumpet. Cover about one square inch of metal per second.
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Dip the wand into the plastic container to refresh the silver solution. Double-dipping in the bottle can harm the remaining solution. Continue to refresh using the plastic container until the trumpet is fully plated.
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Connect the kit's smaller wands to complete detail work on the trumpet, including between the valves and along the slides.
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10
Polish the trumpet using the soft cloth.
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Tips & Warnings
Plating is easy to learn but hard to master. Practice plating on smaller objects before plating the trumpet. Even if you do a thorough job, it can be hard to get into all the nooks and crannies of the instrument. Consult a professional plater if you want higher-quality plating.
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
