Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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How to electroplate a brass trumpet mouthpiece with nickel

Hallo, I am looking for information on how to electroplate nickel TRUMPET mouthpieces with NICKEL. Most ARE plated with Nickel initially, but it wears down with time. The Brass which is laid bare is bitter in taste and probably not healthy either. Can you please help? Where (in South Africa) can I get the chemicals, etc.?

This is urgent!

Wesley Lamprecht
EstateAgent; Music Teacher - Klerksdorp, NW, South Africa
2007

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That may not be the best approach, Wesley, because nickel plating is an industrial science rather than a hobby. There are plating jobshops who can expeditiously replate these for you.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007

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First of two simultaneous responses --

Given that there's lots of good reasons to avoid nickel in contact with skin - especially your mouth (just looks at its use in jewelry, especially with regards to Europe) - wouldn't some other similar looking coating be better?

Aluminum, tin, etc...

Jim Gorsich
Compton, California, USA
2007

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

It is unlikely that the mouthpiece is nickel plated. They are usually plated with silver.

Neil Bell
Red Sky Plating

Albuquerque, New Mexico

2007

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Q. Hi,

I would like to plate my trumpet in a silver colour with something that's affordable and durable. I don't mind much whether it ends up bright or slightly dull. What would a good material choice be? I intend using professional services, but I would like to be a bit more knowledgeable on the subject. Most plating companies in my vicinity (South-Africa) will be more used to industrial or automotive plating, and judging by what I've read on this site musical instrument plating have a few unique requirements.

Thanks!

Nico Vorster
customer/musician - Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
January 17, 2013