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How to make nickel plated objects spotless

I am getting too many spots during nickel plating. What can be the most possible reasons?

Hardik Khandelwal
plating shop employee - Kanpur, India
October 13, 2010

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Hi, Hardik. There are many possible causes, so it's a broad question. But look at the rinsing first. Rinse some in DI water or try a solvent dryer (vapor degreaser), or wipe with IPA, and see if the spots are gone.

Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
October 13, 2010

Hardik; Do you mean the parts are pitting during plating? Are there bubbles on the parts that you have to brush off during plating? A little more information and we may be able to help you.

Jim Schwartzmyer
- North Tonawanda, New York, USA
First of two simultaneous responses -- October 18, 2010

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There could be many reasons for spots. First of all you should check the cleaning process. If piece is not cleaned properly then you will get spots during the plating.

If you are mentioning pitting as spots then check the electrolyte; you should purify the plating solution by doing high pH treatment. After high pH treatment dummy plating is a must.

Second, if wetting agent is low then this problem may arise.

Hope this answers the question

Ghazala Hussain
- Lahore, Pakistan
Second of two simultaneous responses -- October 19, 2010