Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Brush Plating, Rinsing and Environmental Issues

2005

We are interested in using brush plating as a method to repair or touch-up silver plated copper and brass parts. How thoroughly do these parts need to be rinsed after the process? The parts will be used in electric substations and may be exposed to almost every atmospheric contamination possible. Our experience with our dip plated parts tells us that parts not rinsed thoroughly will corrode and form a green material on the surface. Can we expect the same to happen to brush plated touch-ups that were not rinsed thoroughly?

If we do rinse, what is the best method to minimize hazardous waste? What will be the hazardous waste status of the rags and rinse water?

We would really like to use this method, but we are concerned, and want to minimize any possible performance and environmental issues.

William Young
Electric company - LeRoy, New York

You should ask your selected vendor (or several vendors) about their different chemistries. Some of them still use cyanide in their silver solutions, so are at the top of the list of dangerous chemicals. Others have cyanide free silver which, though still toxic, can be handled more easily. Something else to keep in mind is that brush plating uses far less volumes (plating and rinse), so disposal and liabilities are proportionally lower.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2005

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2005

ALL liquid waste is controlled.

Brush plating solution vendors aren't likely to tell you this if the only supply the public with these tiny mickey mouse gadgets.

All rinse water should be gathered and disposed of in the same manner as it would with regular plating tanks.

Most silver brass and gold brush plating solutions are still based around cyanide.

DEP will not like seeing any of these solutions on the floor or handled incorrectly.

Deal with them if you wish to be safe.

If you are dealing with industrial vendors they will advise you correctly.

Steve Clark
polishing - Belfast, Maine

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2005

Mr. Young,

Brush electroplating has been used for quite some time for on site plating at power plants, ship yards and manufacturing facilities where it is much more cost effective to plate the part where stands.

Therefore there is a lot of experience in handling these solutions on a job site. Mr. Marrufo is correct in stating there is much less volume of solution used. This means there is less waste generated. All waste generated by brush plating either through rinsing of parts or the wrapping and rags used for plating and drying need to be handled as hazadous materials and disposed of in the proper manner.

In regards to brush electroplating systems being "Mickey Mouse" gadgets; This statement can be attributed to a lack of knowledge about this process. Brush plating has been around for over 40 years and is currently governed by a variety of plating specifications both government and industrial. This process is in use through out industry including at nuclear generating facilities for the very same applications you have in mind. Let us know if you would like further information on the handling of these chemical products.

Chris Helwig
- Valencia, California

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Sorry, I was not intending to slam professional vendors of industrial or decorative brush plating equipment. Brush plating has it's place in the industry and deservedly so.

My target was some unscrupulous vendors that sell both brush and tank plating supplies to the public, charging top prices for cheap equipment and lousy advice and support.

I consider this forum run and advised by a very professional body of finishers.

That is why I visit.

I learn from it too.

Steve Clark
polishing - Belfast, Maine, U.S.A.
2005