Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Resuming electroless nickel plating after interruption

Q. I AM ASKED TO PLATE NICKEL ELECTROLESS ON ALREADY NICKEL ELECTROLESS PLATED ALUMINUM BASE IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A HIGHER THICKNESS. DO I NEED TO ACTIVATE IT FIRST, AND IF SO HOW DO I ACTIVATE IT? THANKS.

Michael Kofi
CHEMICAL ENGINEER - ITALY
May 4, 2016

A. Hi Michael.

I am assuming that these are parts which you plated and which you know the history of. If not, I would not take any responsibility and only do it on a best efforts basis.

If the parts of of such shape that you can get current to all areas for a Wood's Nickel Strike, I think it's possible. If the parts were electroless plated because you can't get current to the whole plated area, I don't think anything but strip and replate can work. Other readers may have more encouraging experience :-)

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
May 2016

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: