Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Nickel on Stainless steel

I wish to electroplate nickel on very small stainless steel parts in barrel. Can any body tell me the right sequence of the process. Thanks

Rajveer singh
- New delhi, Delhi, India
1999

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Mr. Singh:

Questions here usually draw the best response when they are very specific. The problem is that your question does not tell anybody specifically what you know vs. what you don't know, so we don't know where to start. Do you know how to nickel plate, but not how to handle stainless? Or do you know how to rack plate, but not barrel plate?

I can only guess at what information you are seeking, and tell you that you need to soak clean, electroclean, de-rust in HCl, Wood's nickel strike, and Watt's nickel plate. Get back to us with more specific questions on any of this.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
1999

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I want to nickel plate bolts and nuts on motorbikes that I am redoing. They are antique and I would like a lasting finish. I have never nickel plated and have no idea where to start, what chemical and formula to use. Can you help me with this.

Sincerely,

Gary Smith
- Port Elizabeth, New Jersey
2002

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Gary,

It is not impossible for you to nickel plate these yourself but it may be impractical. Even the large corporations like GM and GE have gotten out of the plating business and left it to specialty shops. Fortunately the plating industry is very jobshop oriented. If the object is just to get it done rather than to start a new hobby/business, I suggest you consider sending your handful of parts to a plating shop rather than trying to learn all the ins & outs of decorative plating. Good luck.

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