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Electroplating to show the kids

August 16, 2009

As a young man 8-9 years old circa 1966, my Dad (God rest his soul)put a "silver looking" plate on a piece of copper. There was a car battery involved a couple of wires. I understand how the anode and cathode work, but I am not clear on the electrolyte he used I believe it was salt water? he hung the piece to be plated in the "solution" and connected it to one pole and then placed a piece of metal? to the other pole and placed it in the solution. He told me that never ever let the 2 touch while connected to the battery. I really don't think the electrolyte was dangerous cause he had his bare hands in it while placing the piece just right to be coated.

What type of contributing metal might he of used? and is there an electrolyte solution that is very simple. I really don't care how it looks when finished or how durable. I just want to repeat the process for my kids..I remember it being like magic.

Joe Culp
beginner - Greensboro, NC USA

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Hi, Joe. It might have been nickel, but that's much harder. Zinc plating is much easier and safer for kids. See our FAQ: "How Electroplating Works".

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 17, 2009