Q&A for How to Electroplate Household Metals

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Can I use a copper electroplate on semiprecious gemstones and glass to make jewelry?

Paul S

Community Answer

You cannot directly electroplate the gemstones themselves, but the jewelry they are mounted on can be plated. It is best to plate the jewelry without the gemstones, then mount the stones in the plated material.

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Can I use nickels for a donor metal to nickel plate items?

Community Answer

No, nickels are not pure nickel, they are a alloy. I think Amazon sells pure nickel strips.

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Is electroplating with muriatic acid easier than plating with a metal ion electrolyte?

Paul S

Community Answer

No, since extreme caution must be used, along with personal protection such as gloves, goggles, and apron. Good ventilation of the area you are working in is also very important. The used acid will also be hazardous.

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Question

Aren't some copper scrubbing pads just copper plated iron or steel? Are there other sources of copper?

Paul S

Community Answer

This is true. Electrical wire is an excellent source of copper once the insulation is removed. It is inexpensive and easy to work with.

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Question

What material is used for chrome plating?

Paul S

Community Answer

The part to be chrome-plated is first plated with copper, then nickel, and finally chromium.

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Question

How do I safely dispose of the chemicals after use? Is it okay to pour down the drain?

Community Answer

It depends. If you are using muriatic acid, you need to dispose of it safely by giving it to a chemical disposal company or reusing it.

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Question

Can I use this process to plate in gold?

Community Answer

Yes, but you must use pure gold and not an alloy. Do not try to use a gold ring as jewelry, gold is usually a mix of metals.

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Question

Can you use this same process to electroplate plastic?

Nigel Lemieux

Community Answer

No, unfortunately, you cannot. Plastic does not conduct electricity, so there would be little hope of doing this.

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Question

Can a material besides copper be used to plate the object?

Mo.mow.mo.money

Community Answer

Yes, but copper is much easier to plate with.

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Question

Can I plate on plastic with a lead pencil?

Community Answer

Electroplating doesn't work with plastic because plastic doesn't conduct electricity. Both materials must be conductors for electroplating to work.

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Question

What type of batteries do I use when electroplate household metals?

Cool Science for nerds

Community Answer

9-volts work well. A lantern battery also works. Any kind of battery, including alkaline, zinc carbon, and lithium will work, however some kinds are cheaper, and others last longer. In other words, it really doesn't matter.

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Question

Can tin/nickel/zinc be plated on a metal with muriatic acid?

Community Answer

Yes, but better would be be to use sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or lye, commonly found in drain cleaners.

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Question

What metals besides copper can I use to plate?

Paul S

Community Answer

Zinc and nickel are common metals to electroplate with, along with gold and silver. Combining another step, one can brass plate by first plating with copper, then following with zinc plating.

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Question

Do I have to fully submerge both metals in the second method for it to work? Can I electroplate half of a piece of metal?

Community Answer

If you mask off the part you don't want to plate with tape, then you can fully immerse it in the bath.

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Question

How do i plate something in titanium?

Community Answer

Simply replace the copper used in this demonstration with titanium. The principles are the same.

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Question

Can I use a 6 Volt DC charger instead of battery when electroplating?

Euclides Hisatugo

Community Answer

It depends. The process needs current, not exactly voltage, so the current that flows through the electrolyte provides the plating. If the charger is capable of some amperes, I would say 5 to 8 amperes of current, yes you can. If you are considering small charging adapters, then I would say no.

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Question

Does the reaction from this form any toxic chlorine?

Community Answer

Chlorine gas can be produced. Perform in a ventilated area. It's not super dangerous, but don't inhale the off-gases of the reaction directly.

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