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Purpose of Hydroxides in Silver Plating Baths
The Metal Finishing Guidebook 2006 does not mention any addition of potassium hydroxide for a silver plating bath makeup. However, I've found at least two of our customers include it in their bath makeup. We're trying to satisfy their requirements but I'm wondering if hydroxide is at all necessary? If yes, what is its purpose?
Romina Garcia
Engineer - Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
January 5, 2010
January , 2010
Hi, Romina. It is necessary to maintain the pH up at the described level, and to do this you need sodium or potassium hydroxide.
Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
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