Letter 40072

Having a problem plating pewter  

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Can you please tell me what are the proper metal preparations in plating pewter based materials? I really have a problem plating pewter based materials because after acid copper, the result isnt really good at all. do I have to do something first before acid copper and nickel or gold plating? tnx a lot...I will really appreciate your help.

Earl Ocay
plating business - Philippines

Plating processes rarely can start with acid copper because it will immersion deposit on most substrates, Earl. I am reluctant to suggest that you try cyanide copper since I don't know your ability to deal with it safely; but although the composition of pewter my vary, I don't think you can successfully start with acid copper.

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

Try this: Clean, rinse, 10% flouboric acid, 1 minute, rinse, nickel plate. Forget the copper.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF - Spartanburg, SC, USA