Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


-----

Stripping nickel

2005

We want to find out an easy way of de-plating nickel coating (40 micron) An anodic treatment of sulfuric acid with 6 V using lead anodes was suggested earlier, however I would appreciate if I could have more details or any other alternative solutions.
In addition would you please let me know how to provide health and safety rules, any gases coming out might cause big problems.
Thanks.

Nesligul Wagner
- Istanbul

---

I have found that stripping Ni is not quite as easy as stripping other metals,but at any rate,have you ever asked your chemical supplier if they sell a proprietary product to use for stripping? We use a proprietary product for stripping Ni and we have had a lot of success with it. I know you could also use a Nitric acid solution to strip Ni but the proprietary product is much safer. As for fumes or gasses look into getting a good exhaust system and then should cover any vapors or gasses.

Regards,

Brian C. Gaylets
- Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
2005

---

2005

With any stripping question it is essential to know all the base metals, e.g., steel, or brazed steel, brass, etc.
the answer for each is different so that you dissolve the nickel but not the underlying base, but I agree you should talk to an experienced supplier

Geoffrey Whitelaw
- Port Melbourne, Australia

---

2005

Hello Mrs. Wagner...
I agree with Whitelaw. Basically, stripping formula depends on your product's base metal. I know you plate towel warmers. Also your product welded brass wire. So you wouldn't strip them with sulfuric acid or any way. There is one formula but very expensive. I think, why don't you think source of problem? Bath problem? or another? And why don't you think re-plate them with wood nickel bats?

Good luck...

Alaattin Tuna
- Turkey

---

2005

Dear Nesligul Wagner,
The nickel striper is depends on the base metals: steel, Zn, Aluminum alloy, brass; and each base metal needs a different method and solution when you deal with it. With steel you can use sulfuric acid in an anodic treatment and add some chemical substance (inhibitor) to prevent the acid from attacking the steel surface. Also you can use nitric acid with steel, but be careful from NOx gasses.
With zamac alloy there is a special anodic striper but from my experience all methods in nickel stripping are not good and not economic, and with your thickness 40 mic it is not easy to strip this thick layer so try to solve the problems in plating line which causes the nickel defects
Good luck,

ALI GOMAA
- Cairo, Egypt