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[Steve T]

Hi all has anyone tried doing home nickel plating if so what were your experiences and recommendations thanks Steve

[Caboose]

Hi Steve T,
I used one about 20 years ago, I bought it at the Stafford Show where it was being demonstrated by a trader by the name of Marcel Davanzo, (Spanish, I think)
I never forget a name! It worked well but like all metal processes, preparation is all, make it as smooth and shiny and more importantly, clean & grease free, before you start.
A very similar process to photo processing, ie time and temperature.
I successfully plated several nuts and bolts and an air lever. I used a large Tupperware container for the solutions and a good stable 13.8 volt power supply unit.
REgards Dick.

[Dennis C]

I have a kit from Gateros plating and it is excellent, as stated Dick preparation is everything.

[jefrs]

Haven't done plating for a while but do have a side order in post-grad chemistry. Cleaning, wire brushes and gunk but I'm inclined to use the dish washer at times, soap and water being very effective 'universal solvent', no muck nor grease neither. Prior to plating bath though suggest washing with iso-propyl alcohol because it leaves no residue (500ml can of Servisol IPA from Maplins, you have to ask because they hide it). Acid dip before plating bath can 'key' the surface, agitating/stoking surface with a feather helps (feathers don't dissolve in acid).

[Steve T]

Thanks for your replies everyone, Dennis C took your advice and had a a look at Gateros they have a good selection and have ordered a nickel set, will let you know how it goes when I get setup. Steve

[Steve T]

Hi everyone as promised reporting back on the plating kit from Gateros, took 2 days to arrive which gav me time to visit a discount store to get some 5lt food containers for the different cleaners,acid etch and rinsing first phot shows the setup in the workshop

This is the before

and the after < br> < br> approximately 25 microns plate in about 1/2 hr in the plating bucket depending on voltage & current, I'm pleased with the results thanks to Dennis for the recommendation. Steve