Metal finishing Q&As since 1989
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My Electroplating Science Project
Q. Hi I am doing a science project using electroplating. I am wanting to use more than one metal. I was wanting to use zinc, copper, and aluminum. Are all of these metals going to work for electroplating. I already own aluminum sulphate. I will be plating these metals on old tarnished spoons. I wanted to know how to do this. Would I just follow the other instructions or do I need to do it differently. Do you have any other easy suggestions on different metals to use. Thank you for your time.
Sally M [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Anaheim, California, USA
2007
A. Sometimes a failed experiment, or maybe we should phrase it as an experiment where the hypothesis is disproven, can be very informative. Please do the zinc and copper as you read on this website, then try the aluminum with the aluminum sulphate as the electrolyte. I think you have the makings for a great experiment, Sally. Please proceed with it, get back to us with your results, and we'd be happy to help you explain them. Please advise what grade you are in.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007
Q. Hello! I am electroplating 00 steel wool [on eBay or Amazon] for my science fair project. I will be coating the steel with copper, zinc, and aluminum. I am then simulating acid rain and seeing which of the alloys I used helps prevent corrosion from the acid rain. I am also going to vary the volts and time for electroplating to get some more variables. I cannot find an average voltage and time for electroplating. I was wondering if you knew what volts and time would be good to use as a start. Thank you very much!
Joe R [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]- Pennsylvania
December 5, 2013
A. Hi Joe. I would use steel nails, or sanded down steel baling wire or washers rather than steel wool. You'll never get the steel wool plated properly because of its huge surface area and deep recesses. Most of the steel wool will remain unplated, confounding your experiment.
You'll see a recommendation of 1-1/2 volts for your plating in our FAQ, "How Plating Works", and well as instructions for non-toxic zinc and copper electroplating. Depending on what grade you are in, you may be able to use a better plating solution than the vinegar [in bulk on eBay or Amazon] we discuss in that FAQ.
Sally M never got back to us, so I guess we'd better put it out here so future students won't be misled: you'll find that you can't electrodeposit aluminum (it requires specialized non water based solutions).
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
December 2013
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