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Copper coating by dipping in copper sulphate

We are making components out of mild steel.We want to coat these components with copper.We've tried dipping them in copper sulfate [linked by editor to product info at Amazon] solution and they are becoming coated but after a few minutes they tarnish. How could I prevent this from happening.

Orion
- South Africa

Hi, Orion. Immersion plating in copper sulphate solution produces an extremely thin coating which stops building as soon as the steel is very thinly coated. Robust copper coating requires electroplating from a cyanide or pyrophosphate plating bath.

I suspect that a dip in sodium benzotriazole could help deter the tarnish. Good luck

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

May 4, 2009

I want to use a simple 1/4" thick copper plate as a heat sink for our components. What kind of coating will prevent oxidization and retain the great heat sink capabilities of the copper plate? Thanks!

Ryan Thomas
- SLC, Utah

May 6, 2009

Hi, Ryan. Sodium benzotriazole would be the best shot. Sodium dichromate might work well but is not RoHS compatible.

Regards,

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

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