Electroless plating to smooth surface finish

Hello,

I have a metallic part with a very complex geometry. I was hoping to smooth the surface of the part using some sort of electroless plating. I believe that nickel plating is the most common, are there other electroless solutions available, such as copper etc.? The metallic part I have is unsuited to conventional surface finishing techniques because of its complex geometry. The surface is slightly textured so I am hoping that the electroless deposition will tend to smooth out the surface. Is this a realistic possibility?

Can electroless solutions be purchased off-the-shelf in hardware or DIY stores or do I need to locate specialised suppliers? Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

Regards,

Plating chemicals are not available in hardware stores, but they are 'off the shelf' at plating supply distributorships. However, unless you have a well-equipped wet lab (in fact, even if you do), it may make more sense to farm out the plating step.

However, I don't think electroless plating will do what you are seeking. Although there are 'self-leveling' electrolytic nickel plating baths, I am dubious that that will help either. Take your part to a plating shop for a conference.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey