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world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989


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Metal plating on wooden turned vessels

2007

I am a full time professional wood turner who is always looking for new ideas to enhance my work. Metal plating on to wood has been in the back of my mind for quite some time.I turn many different items, most are one of a kind art pieces. If there is a process to plate wood I think the outcome could be stunning.

I would be forever grateful to anyone who could point me in the right direction.

Thank you.

Brian Neil McEvoy
- Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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I have done chrome plating on some wooden items. Trying to do this on a small or hobby scale would be impractical without having a full plating facility at your disposal. Not to mention the level of experience required to develop this skill.
My point is you can do it if you want to spend the time and money.

Frank DeGuire
- St. Louis, Missouri, USA
2007

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First of two simultaneous responses --

A lot simpler and cheaper to use paint from from one of several vendors from this site. If this is a one or two item, try some of the relatively new paints that are in spray cans. The stuff looks quite real if done correctly. Look at a couple of good paint stores and then the big box stores. You should find something that you like at an affordable price.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2007

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

You must immerse your objects in wax or lacquer,then cover it with any conductive paint(graphite,copper or silver powder based,),and then you can plate it- for beginner acid copper bath is best, car battery charger [on eBay or Amazon] can be used as current source.Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2007