Copper plating of leaves not quite good enough

I am trying to copper plate leaves not only for a hobby but also as a source of income. I am using an electrolyte of CuSO4-5H2O + H2SO4 + deionized water, a constant current power supply and I have covered the leaves with a lack containing graphite ( the resistance is quite high when dry) and as an anode I have tried copper wire and various other sources of copper. The results have been a powdery bright copper plating taking 12 hrs. with a current of ~0.1A. My question is .. How to get a solid shiny copper plated finish and is there a spray or paint ready for use that would give me better results?

Supplies are very hard to find in this country and are very expensive when available.

Dear Robert!

Ref book -using a parafine/wax/ print to do plating and mixing graphite with water or vodka. For insects should be treated in mercury chloride 1.5%(HgCL2)-dry-lacquer-graphite-plating.

Good luck