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Metallizing fiberglass sculptures to allow electroplating

I need to electroplate some of my sculptures made from fiberglass. I need to know the different conducting paints available in the market. I also need to know the process to be used to electroplate the fiberglass sculptures.

Expecting a reply. Thanks in advance

Sushil Saraf

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Hello, Sushil. We have a FAQ on this at www.finishing.com/faqs/organic.html. The three common approaches are silver (or other conductive) paint; two-part silvering process which uses a soluble silver salt plus a reducing solution; and catalyzation with a palladium and/or tin chloride salt. The first step is to decide which approach is most appropriate for your product. One step not to be dismissed is that it may be necessary to lacquer or otherwise seal the fiberglass if the resin system isn't suitable for immersion in electroplating solutions. Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey

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