Copper plating procedure at home. Galvanic baths - what is it, principle of operation, design

What is electroplating and what is it eaten with?

Electroplating is a branch of electrochemistry, which includes two subsections that study the deposition of electrolytes on a metal surface for different purposes. For example, corrosion protection. In life, the process of coating products, for example, with chromium or copper, has the same name. Recently, decorative electroplating at home has become very popular, which brings a considerable income to those who are ready to work.

What's in

Electroplating is a rather vague definition that includes several processes, the name of which is associated with the use of various electrolytes. An example is gilding, i.e. coating thin layer gold or chrome. Copper and silver plating are also popular.

Electroplating at home. Is it possible?

decorative coating various items metal is becoming increasingly popular among start-up entrepreneurs. First of all, due to the fact that the initial investment is minimized. But electroplating at home is not the best best idea for one simple reason: toxic. It is better to choose well-ventilated non-residential premises. And read the relevant literature on the subject to be prepared for anything.

Necessary equipment for electroplating

Everything you need for the first experience can be done with your own hands or purchased without much difficulty. The process itself is associated with the action of current strength, so a power supply is needed. It must have a voltage regulator, and the output current is one ampere. You also need a small bath made of non-conductive, chemically resistant material, such as plastic tray with thin walls. Also, home electroplating requires a special brush or pen, which is a hollow form into which the electrolyte is poured.

Technological process

Galvanic processes occur under the influence of current. Two anodes are installed in a special bath and electrolyte is poured. We connect the workpiece to the “minus”, and the anodes to the “plus”. When the circuit is closed, the metal contained in the electrolyte is deposited on the working object. The preparation of a solution for each metal is individual, and the proportions must be strictly observed, as well as the current strength, a change in which can significantly affect the process.

Electroplating at home. Part preparation

Before proceeding with the process itself, contamination must be removed from work objects. In some cases, it is enough to get by with just degreasing the surface, but sometimes you have to resort to grinding and other more complex methods.

Home electroplating is hazardous to health

The chemical process is always associated with risk, so you must follow the basic safety rules:

• take care of the presence of grounding;
• good ventilation of the room is required;
• it is necessary to observe the rules of personal safety when working with harmful substances.

As a conclusion

Remember that electroplating is a very dangerous process, involving the use of active substances that can harm your health and property. Therefore, carefully study all the dangerous aspects and only then get to work.

Galvanoplasty - the technique of electrolytic deposition of metals on the surface of various objects (matrices) in order to obtain accurate metal copies - was first developed and put into practice in 1838 by the Russian scientist, Academician B.S. Yakobi. With his direct participation, many wonderful works of art were made, statues and bas-reliefs for St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Hermitage, the Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Cathedral, including the famous quadriga for the pediment of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.

Electroplating is based on the crystallization of metals from aqueous solutions of their salts when a direct electric current is passed through them. This process is called electrolysis.

The current is supplied using two metal plates - electrodes placed in the electrolyte. The plate connected to the positive pole of the current source is called the anode. Another plate connected to the negative pole of the current source is the cathode.

In electroforming, objects (matrices) on which metal is deposited serve as cathodes, and plates or bars of metal with which this object (matrix) is coated serve as anodes.

The electrolysis process is shown schematically in Figure 1. When current passes through the electrolyte, the anode attracts negatively charged ions, and the cathode attracts positively charged ions. When the ions reach the electrodes, they lose their charge, separating out as neutral atoms or groups of atoms.

Electroplating is widely used in industry for the manufacture of molds, hollow thin-walled tubes, and complex parts with wall thicknesses from a few microns to tens of millimeters. Dimensions of parts are limited only by the volume of electrolyte baths.

Matrices are made of plastic, glass, of stainless steel, aluminum, various fusible alloys, lead. On the surface of the matrix insulating material pre-applied electrically conductive layer.

Matrices are destructible and permanent. The former are made of low-melting metals and plastic alloys. The material for the manufacture of the latter are steel, copper, nickel or aluminum and its alloys.

For the manufacture of metal tubes at home, you need a bath made of glass, ceramics or vinyl plastic, copper sulfate, sulfuric acid, a 20 ohm rheostat (maximum current 1 A), an ammeter with a current of maximum deflection of the needle 1 A, a power source, wire (copper, steel or fusible materials and their alloys, for example, tin-lead) as a matrix.

The diameter of the wire corresponds to the inner diameter of the tube being made, and the length of the first should be twice the length of the second.

If tubes with an internal diameter of less than 1 mm are needed, steel wire is used as a matrix. In the manufacture of tubes with an internal Ø of 5 mm or more, the matrix is ​​made of low-melting metals and their alloys (for example, solder rod).

The wire should be smooth and even. To do this, it is polished fine sandpaper, and then finish with a micro-skin (“zero”). Then the wire is tinned, excess solder is removed by pulling the heated wire through a rag clenched in a fist. Non-working areas of the matrix are covered with plasticine.

AT warm water(50-60 ° C) dissolve copper sulfate (200-250 g of salt per 1 liter of water) using glassware. The settled electrolyte is filtered and then sulfuric acid is poured into it at the rate of 50-60 g per 1 liter of solution.

It should be remembered that it is impossible to pour the solution into concentrated sulfuric acid. In contact with water, it causes a violent reaction with a large release of heat and vaporization. As a result, acid may escape from the vessel. Therefore, it is necessary to pour acid into the solution blue vitriol thin stream, stirring constantly with a wooden stick.

In order for the copper precipitate to be dense and fine-grained, it is recommended to add a little ethyl alcohol to the electrolyte (5-10 g per 1 liter of electrolyte).

The finished electrolyte is poured into a working bath, where matrices and a copper plate or wire are placed.

The matrices are connected to the "minus", and the copper plate or wire to the "plus" of the power source. The anode area should be 5-10 times more area cathode.

The installation diagram for home electroplating is shown in Figure 2. The power supply transformer has the following data: core Ш20Х20, winding I contains 2200 turns of PEV-1 0.12 wire (at 220 V) or 1300 turns of PEV-1 0.15 (at 127 V ), winding II-35 turns PEV-1 0.8.

The electrolysis process and the quality of the coating depend mainly on the composition of the electrolyte, its temperature and current density.

Electrolyte temperature 18-25°C.

Current density - the amount of current per unit surface - is calculated by the formula:

where i is the current in the circuit, A,

S is the surface of the product, dm 2.

In practice, j=1-1.5 A/dm 2 .

Example 1. Determine the value of the electrolysis operating current for the manufacture of a tube with an outer Ø of 5 mm and a length of 100 mm. Let's take the current density equal to 1 A / dm 2, then

I \u003d jS \u003d 1 * 3.14 * 0.05 * 1 \u003d 0.16A.

The calculation of the exposure time of parts under current in a galvanic bath to obtain a layer with a thickness of σ mm is determined by the formula:

t=σ*d*1000/j*C*η,

where t - exposure time, hours;

σ - tube thickness, mm;

d - specific weight of copper, g/mm 3 ;

j - current density, A / mm 2;

C is the electrochemical equivalent of copper, g/Ah; η - estimated current output.

Specifically for our case, we have

d \u003d 8.95 g / mm 2, i \u003d 1 A / mm 2; C = 1.186 g/Ah; η = 95.

Example 2. Determine the exposure time of the matrix under current in a galvanic bath to obtain copper tube with a wall thickness of 0.5 mm.

t=σ*d*1000/j*C*η=0.5*8.95*1000/1*1.2*95= 40 hours

After the estimated time has elapsed, the matrix is ​​removed from the electroplating bath and washed with water. The end of the wire is bitten at a distance of 1.5-2 mm from the tube, and after heating to a temperature of 200-250 ° C, the extended tube is easily removed from the matrix.

In the same way tubes are made of nickel, chromium, iron.

V. BUSHUEV, A. NOVIKOV, Voronezh

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Those who remember well school curriculum at the course "Chemistry", they will immediately answer the question of what electroplating is. For those who have forgotten a little, we recall that this is a section of electrochemistry, this is the name of the process when a metal coating is applied to almost any product. This process is also applied to industrial scale, for example, both in the galvanization or chromium plating of metal products, and in the manufacture of decorative objects.

The process of electrolyte deposition on the desired surface is quite complicated, it requires compliance with safety precautions and certain home processing skills. Electroplating at home will not allow you to increase strength metal product(this requires industrial capacity), but can be used to decorate individual items.

To organize the process you will need:

1. Do-it-yourself galvanic bath - jar (glass or durable plastic, large enough to fit the workpiece, heat-resistant) with an electrolyte solution.
2. A wire divided into an anode ("plus") and a cathode ("minus"). In this case, the anodes must be larger in area than the workpiece. They conduct current into the electrolyte and replace the loss of metal in it, what will be deposited on the galvanized product.
3. Weighing equipment, such as precision electronic scales.
4. DC power supply with voltage regulation, home socket will not work.
5. Electric stove with mandatory temperature control.

The application process itself electroplating at home is quite simple: dilute the electrolyte in a container, heat it, immerse the anodes connected to the “plus” there, fix the galvanized product (in our case, the cathode) at a distance, which is connected to the “minus”. When connected to a current source, the metal from the electrolyte begins to settle on the "minus", that is, on the product.

What is needed to prepare the electrolyte?

How to make electrolyte at home? First, let's choose the right container for storage: it should be a container made of an inactive substance (glass or plastic), strong, with a tight-fitting lid to prevent oxygen from entering the electrolyte.

Advice! Do-it-yourself electroplating rectifier is easily obtained from a conventional car battery.

Chemistry is an exact science. Each substance used will have to be measured to the nearest hundredth of a gram. You will need high-quality weighing equipment, electronic is the most convenient. If there is no opportunity or desire to buy scales, take a trifle of the Soviet period, the coins then had the exact weight.

The most difficult thing for an ordinary citizen is the acquisition of reagents for the manufacture of electrolyte. Many substances are prohibited for sale individuals, only industrial enterprises with special permission. To ordinary people dangerous reagents will not be sold!

On the video: Current 60A at home or handicraft electroplating.

How to prepare the product

Gathering the weight necessary components, having prepared the containers, the heating system and the power source, we proceed to the preparation of the product that we want to process.

In order for the metal from the electrolyte to settle on an object in an even layer, it must be cleaned very well, otherwise the galvanic coating at home will turn out to be uneven and fragile. Some items will simply need to be degreased, some will require sanding and sanding to remove corrosion and “burrs” from the surface.

Important! High-quality degreasing provides a solution of acetone, alcohol and even gasoline.

Steel products are kept for several minutes in a solution of sodium phosphate, heated to 90 degrees. Non-ferrous metals are also degreased in a sodium solution, only without heating.

Safety

Before starting the galvanizing process, do not forget about safety precautions. Do-it-yourself electroplating does not imply manipulation, for example, in the kitchen. It is more about a garage or a barn, a non-residential place with good ventilation, where grounding can be arranged.

Important! Avoid poisonous fumes ! Galvanization can cause real harm health. Organize the exhaust and cover your face with a mask-respirator.

Tight hands are required rubber gloves. Protect your eyes with goggles. Before starting manipulations, read the special literature. If you experience any symptoms of discomfort, contact your doctor immediately.

Processing Options

Nickel plating on metal objects- a simple process, as a result of which your products will receive a luxurious shiny look, become more resistant to rain and other phenomena.

You will need:

1. Prepare an electrolyte for electroplating by mixing nickel sulfate, sodium, magnesium, sodium chloride (table salt) and boric acid. Check the pH, it should be in the 4-5 range.
2. Warm up the electrolyte to 25 degrees.
3. Place the product in the container and connect a current of 1.2 A / sq. dm.
4. Estimated time is about half an hour.

The specified time depends on factors such as product size, current density and electrolyte temperature. The longer the time, the thicker the nickel layer will be. When finished, rinse the object and polish with any polishing ointment.

On the video: chemical nickel plating.

Chrome plating

One of the most popular ways to give strength and appearance metal products - chrome plating. Let home achieve high strength fail, this requires a current density of 100 A / sq. dm., decorative coating you can still apply.

Chromium coating is porous. Before its use, the object is coated with copper or nickel. But home chrome plating allows you to achieve a greater variety of shades, which is achieved by different electrolyte temperatures: the higher it is, the more brilliant the coating will turn out.

The chrome plating process at home is as follows:

1. Lead, tin and antimony anodes (85%/11%/4%).
2. Immerse the product in the electrolyte of the temperature you need and wait about half an hour.
3. Rinse in a weak solution baking soda, dry, polish.

On the video: decorative chrome plating at home.

copper plating

Coating metal surfaces with copper at home is used to create a layer that will subsequently conduct current, or to protect against corrosion.

It is impossible to make copper electroplating at home on ferrous metals at home, since deadly cyanides are used for this. Initially, steel and cast iron objects must be nickel plated, and then copper plating should be carried out using copper sulphate salts diluted in sulfuric acid. Copper coating of aluminum products will require the initial cleaning of the latter from oxide in an electrolyte containing sulfuric acid, and then they are galvanized in the same way as steel.

In the video: galvanic copper plating.

Galvanizing

The simplest home-made galvanization method is zinc treatment. It is used to protect metal objects (conductive and non-conductive) from corrosion. When galvanizing, a zinc plate is immersed in the electrolyte as an anode, corresponding in area to the galvanized object, and connected to a current source.

The composition of the electrolyte includes: zinc sulfate (200 g), ammonium sulfate (50 g), sodium acetate (15 g) per 1 liter of water. In about half an hour, the anode will dissolve and its molecules dense layer cover the workpiece.

On the video: galvanizing metal at home.

brass plating

The most decorative electroplating method is brassing (applying a film of copper and zinc alloy). Brass-plated products are used for furniture fittings, as door handles etc. Brass gives objects a noble golden color and rich brilliance.

The brass plating electrolyte must contain copper and zinc salts dissolved in a cyanide solution. This type electroplating is also not recommended for home use due to the possibility of cyanide poisoning.

No matter how exciting the galvanizing process is, repeat it at home without pre-training not recommended - can be life-threatening. The equipment costs money, and you simply cannot purchase some of the reagents necessary for the manufacture of electrolytes. Starting a process, for example, for chrome plating of one part is not worth it - it will be cheaper to contact specialized enterprises.

Silvering and gilding

Electroplating silver on products is not only decorative, it also protects against corrosion and forms an electrically conductive coating. As in the case of copper, cast iron and steel are pre-coated with nickel, then silvered.

Electrolyte for silvering contains:

• silver chloride;
• ferric potassium;
• soda ash;
• distilled water.

The electrolyte must be heated to a temperature of up to 20 degrees. high power not required - enough 0.1 A / sq. dm. The anode will be a graphite plate, the size corresponding to the size of the galvanized product.

Electroplating with gold is the most decorative method.

This will require a heated solution of gold in proportions of 5 g per 1 liter of water, mixed with potassium synergistic. You can also use a cold electrolyte, but then you will need 3 times more gold.

Be extremely careful - the fumes of hydrocyanic acid are extremely dangerous, both hot and cold. Do not neglect ventilation, do not let it get on open areas skin. If possible, replace it with potassium ferricyanide.

Thoroughly clean the product first. If it is made of black metal, cover first with copper, then gild. To make gold “stick” better, dip the product in mercury nitrate.

In the video: galvanic gilding of a silver spoon.

The main rule: be careful when using current - it should not be more powerful than 1 A / sq. dm. A stronger current will cause gold to fall in black flakes to the bottom of the container, and the galvanized object will turn brown instead of gold. After the end of the process, the product is dried and polished using a polishing ointment.

Electroplating and electroplating

What is electroplating? This is the method used to make exact copies products, copying method. It is used when it is necessary to make a copy of objects of the finest configuration - plates, chips and circuits. Electroplating enhances mechanical properties one metal by applying a layer of another metal on it, for example, chrome and nickel plating of steel, nickel plating of copper, etc.

Electroplating and electroplating are similar in nature, differing only in the way the metal is prepared before processing. When performing electroplating, the metal surface must be as prepared as possible for adhesion to the applied metal. The electroforming method, on the contrary, implies the free separation of the deposited metal.

Most often, copper, nickel and silver are used for electroplating processes, and almost all types of metals are used in electroplating processes. Electroplating at home is carried out on the same equipment as other electroplating processes.

A large glass container is perfect for a galvanoplastic bath. Its dimensions depend on the size of the galvanized object, since it should not be too close to the anode plate.

Electroplating at home can be used to make copies of objects small size according to molds previously cast from low-melting metals.

Electroplating master class (1 video)

Electroplated items (17 photos)

Galvanics is a science that studies the deposition of electrolytes on metal surfaces. This word also refers to a procedure that allows you to apply metal coating for various products. For example, if corrosion protection is required, galvanizing or chrome plating is used. Electroplating at home is a rather difficult task, therefore, in order to successfully complete it, you should know some of the nuances, which are described below.

What is electroplating

Electroplating at home is carried out different ways, since the resulting coating is technological, decorative and protective. The procedure makes it possible to create a thin metal layer on the surface of the product, which has an attractive aesthetic appearance (using gold or silver) or anti-corrosion properties (using zinc or copper). The surfaces to be machined are usually made of metal or plastic.

If we consider common features, then do-it-yourself electroplating is a simple process. Anodes are placed in a special bath with electrolyte, which are connected to the "plus". A part serving as a cathode is placed between them, and it is connected to the "minus". As a result electrical circuit will close, and the metal contained in the electrolyte will begin to deposit on the cathode, that is, the workpiece.

Necessary equipment

To perform any task, not only certain tools are required, but also equipment. Finding the latter should also not be difficult, since you can do it yourself. Initially, you should take care of the power source, because the procedure requires the action of an electric current. If we consider current indicators, then there is no clear range here - each master uses his own values.

Important! The key condition is the use of a voltage regulator, which smoothly changes the output power.

No less important D.C.. For this reason, a special rectifier, which is purchased or made by hand, can serve as a source. Many craftsmen use a welding machine as a device.

Under the electrolyte, you need to find a special container (tray) made of chemically neutral components. A do-it-yourself galvanic bath is easy to do: an ordinary vessel made of plastic or glass of a certain size is taken so that the part and electrolyte are easily located in it. Applied durable and resistant to high temperature(up to +80 degrees Celsius) capacity.

You will also need anodes with an area larger than the part. Using them, the electrolyte is supplied electricity, evenly distributed over the part. Also, their task is to compensate for the loss of the alloy in the electrolyte, since it will be released during processing. Anodes are good for certain oxidation tasks as well.

Concerning heating appliances necessary for heating the electrolyte, it is better that they allow you to adjust thermal regimes, since the temperature indicator plays great importance during the procedure. For example, in order for electroplating to be successful, household gas stove. But an electric stove or iron with soleplate temperature control is suitable.

What is an electrolyte made of?

To store chemicals and electrolytes, glassware with a ground-in lid is required.

Electrolytes should be prepared carefully: each element is measured down to the gram, which is done using the appropriate scales. Getting them is not a problem, but if you wish, you can make the scales yourself, where Soviet coins act as weights, since their denomination is equal to the mass.

Galvanization at home is a procedure for preparing an electrolyte, and it, in turn, requires the presence of chemical reagents. There are special companies that distribute these high-quality substances, however, their actions are controlled and not everyone can purchase them, even with special permits. Hazardous chemicals are not available to individuals at all.

Features of metal galvanizing

Each metal product, no matter how high-quality it is, will sooner or later be poisoned by corrosion. Corrosion can be combated in a variety of ways, where each has its own strengths and weak sides. The galvanizing procedure is a simple method that is considered optimal in terms of price-quality ratio.

It is realistic to do galvanizing at home, especially since this procedure allows you to protect the material from negative external influences. Zinc is valued by the fact that, interacting with oxygen, it forms a strong and high-quality film that protects the product from the influence environment.

For galvanizing metal, there are the following methods:

• Thermal diffusion method;
• Cold galvanized;
• Galvanized zinc;
• Hot galvanizing;
• Gas-thermal spraying.

For galvanizing a product, both one method and several are used - complex work. It should be based on the operating conditions of the part and the necessary protective qualities. When choosing a processing method, the desired thickness of zinc is taken into account, and the temperature and duration of work depend on this.

Important! Galvanized surfaces have a limitation - direct mechanical impact they are contraindicated.

The most popular method of galvanizing is hot galvanizing, as the resulting coating is as resistant as possible. However, at home it has not received wide distribution, as it is not safe from the environmental side, difficult and unprofitable. This method requires expensive and difficult-to-access equipment, so we will not focus on it.

The gas-thermal method of metal processing is a kind of spraying. It is relevant when processing large planes on a large scale is required. Otherwise, it is an unprofitable procedure. The process looks like this: powdered zinc is sprayed. The method is used in situations where the part is large and simply does not fit in a special bath with liquid zinc. It is worth noting the strength qualities of the resulting metal - the product can easily be preserved even in salt water conditions for 25-35 years.

At home, the most popular method is galvanizing, as a result of which a smooth and uniform layer of a certain thickness appears on the surface. The coating, on average, has a thickness of no more than 40 microns, but in terms of aesthetics, this is the most successful method.

As for the galvanizing procedure itself, it is similar to other electrochemical processes, where positively charged particles from zinc are deposited on the surface of the part.

Most available method galvanizing - cold galvanizing, reminiscent of regular painting. For this, a special zinc-containing primer material is used, where 90% is zinc. As mentioned above, the method is the most affordable, almost 10 times cheaper than the previous ones, and you can practice it in almost any conditions, even in small workshops. However, compared to other methods, cold galvanizing cannot boast of high durability.

Features of electroplated silver

Many craftsmen are engaged in electroplating silvering, working not only with souvenirs, but also with jewelry. Silver coatings are also often used in the technical field.

As in the case of galvanizing, it is necessary to acquire special electrolytes. Silver can be applied to different metals, but in each case the surface of the latter must be carefully prepared. If even the slightest mistake is made, then the silver layer will “stick” badly to the part, or even partially peel off. This problem should be effectively solved by using pre-silvering electrolytes. Silver is a soft metal that can be easily abraded. Silvering at home is real, but you should know certain nuances. For example, electrolytes that deposit alloys containing antimony or palladium can reduce the wear resistance of a metal.

Silver is a more affordable metal than gold, so that the product does not rub off when worn, the electrochemical coating is applied in a thicker layer. To increase the hardness and wear resistance of a silver-plated part, for example, it is possible by introducing alloying additives (antimony) into the composition of silver.

It is known that silver can darken, which happens under the influence of hydrogen sulfide. To fight with similar phenomena can be palladium and rhodium. However end view products will be different, since these metals are characterized by a color different from silver. Some craftsmen apply chrome to a silver product.

Important! Chrome plating of silver is done for the purpose if the electroplating object does not come into contact with hands. For example, if the product is on the counter. After the start of operation, it takes about a month for the protective layer to wear out.

Electroplated silvering is in great demand in various industrial sectors, as silver is characterized by excellent electrical, physical, mechanical and decorative properties.

Silver coatings are characterized by high resistance to chemicals, brightness and electrical conductivity. Electroplating can be done with big thick, while maintaining its elasticity, and the connection remains reliable. For this reason, this technology is often used in the jewelry industry and in the production of radio elements.

Due to the special physico-chemical characteristics of the coating, a specific silvering method is determined. This type of coating is widely popular, regardless of the fact that the metal is quite expensive and rather scarce. Silver allows:

• Improve reflective characteristics;
• Lower contact resistance;
• Increase resistance to corrosion processes;
• AT decorative purposes(jewelry craftsmanship).

Electroplating is very popular, as it allows not only to give a different look to the metal, but also to protect it from the harmful effects of the environment. In particular, the method of oxidizing alloys is in demand due to the fact that it is available at home if available. special reagents and materials. However, it should be remembered that this process is not the easiest and requires certain knowledge and skills, without which the procedure can be dangerous. Most often, when it comes to electroplating, silver plating, zinc plating, nickel plating, and so on are used.

Video

The main task of copper plating at home or otherwise copper plating is to prepare the surface of the metal for its further processing. Such an operation may be various metals, and non-metals, among which should be distinguished:

• steel,
• brass,
• nickel and others.

Use of copper

Thanks to their numerous benefits this metal is widely used. Today, copper and its numerous alloys are widely used in industry. The metal is relevant for the aircraft industry, automotive industry, instrument making and other industries. Metal and products made from it are no less popular in the domestic sphere. Copper plating itself is one of the better ways coating with a thin layer of metal surface. At home, copper plating can be done in several ways.

Galvanic copper plating at home

For this you will need:

• Water;
• Hydrochloric acid in its purest form.

Galvanic copper plating at home

Solution preparation

We make a saturated solution of copper sulfate, after which it will be necessary to add 1/3 of this solution to hydrochloric acid. After preparing a solution of copper sulfate, it should be thoroughly stirred so that there are no particles. Next, you need to add hydrochloric acid in a thin stream to this solution. Do not forget about safety precautions and use gloves and goggles. After you have added hydrochloric acid to the solution, it should be thoroughly mixed.

So, the solution is ready and you can start copper plating at home. For this you need to take metal part, on which you are going to apply a layer of copper and prepare it for work. Preparation includes its processing with sandpaper. This procedure allows not only to clean metal surface, but also degrease it. The same procedure will be relevant for parts made of brass or lead. After that, the coating must be thoroughly rinsed in a solution soda ash. This will allow the material to be more thoroughly degreased.

Soda ash for degreasing material

Next, the surface must be immersed in a solution of copper sulfate and of hydrochloric acid. It should be noted that the first layer of copper is very thin and weak, so it is advisable to remove it with a wire brush. After you have done this, the surface of the steel or lead should be washed again in the soda ash solution and again immersed in the copper plating solution. These manipulations will lead to the fact that the copper layer at home on the surface will be much thicker and much stronger, since it can be removed from the object only using sandpaper, and not a metal brush like last time.

This method allows you to make a very high-quality copper coating, which can only be removed with sandpaper. To improve the copper coating at home, the part should be immersed again in the solution. This method is characterized by its simplicity and high efficiency including lead products.

Copper plating procedure

Copper plating is usually called the procedure of galvanic deposition of copper, the thickness of the copper layer in such cases can be from 300 microns or more. Copper plating of steel is one of the most important processes in electroplating, as it is used as an additional process before applying other metals for chromium plating, nickel plating, silver plating.

The copper layer adheres perfectly to steel and is able to level various defects on a surface.

Copper coatings are characterized by high adhesion to other surfaces, lead products, especially metal ones, as well as high electrical conductivity and ductility. The newly applied coating is hot pink matte or glossy. Under the influence of atmospheric influences, copper coatings can oxidize, become coated with oxides with various stains rainbow look.

Areas of use for copper plating

Usually, galvanic copper plating can be used:

• For decorative purposes. Given the huge popularity at the present time of antique copper products. There are methods of artificial aging of steel products;
• in electroplating. Widespread in the jewelry industry, among souvenirs, for making bas-reliefs, etc.;
• In the tech industry. Copper plating is very important in the electrical field. The low cost of copper plating compared to gold or silver coatings reduces the cost of manufacturing electrodes, electrical busbars, contacts and other elements from lead steel.

Copper plating occurs together with the application of other electroplated coatings

• If you need to apply a multi-layer protective and decorative coating on a layer of steel. In the vast majority of cases, copper is used here together with nickel and chromium. This improves adhesion to the base metal and obtains a high-strength, high-gloss coating;
• To avoid cementation of the site. Copper plating of lead will avoid the appearance of carbonization on steel sections. For the application of the copper layer, only those areas where cutting will be carried out are used;
• When performing restoration and restoration work. This method is most commonly used to restore chrome parts on cars and motorcycles. For these purposes, enough thick layer copper, of the order of 100-250 microns and more, which allows you to close all defects and damage to the metal for applying subsequent coatings;

Varieties of copper plating

• Using electrolyte immersion;
• Without immersion in electrolyte.

The first method involves the processing of a metal product with sandpaper, a brush and rinsing with water. Then degreasing in hot soda solution with re-wash. Next, two copper plates, anodes, are lowered into a glass container on copper wires. A part is suspended between the plates on a wire, after which a current is started.

The second method is relevant for steel, aluminum and zinc products.

Home copper plating

This procedure is relevant for various cases, since the application of a copper layer can be used for aluminum cutlery, souvenirs, candlesticks, etc. Non-metal products that have been coated with a copper layer have a unique effect. These can be plant stems, leaves, etc. Due to the fact that there is no conductive layer in the coated objects, a special electrically conductive varnish is used instead, which is applied to the surface.

The composition of the varnish includes a number of organic solvents, foaming agents and finely dispersed graphite powder, due to which electrical conductivity is created. The varnish is applied in a thin layer on a dry surface, and after drying in an hour, you can start copper plating. If desired, copper can be given various color shades using special methods for this. High quality and the uniqueness of such products is quite deservedly equated to real jewelry.

Video: Copper plating at home