Plating Kits for Electroplating Nickel

Posted: Feb 15, 2012 |

Electroplating is the act of using the movement of electrons through a "circuit" to transfer material from one object to another conductive object. Many different metals may be plated in this way including pewter, silver, gold, bronze, copper, brass, nickel, steel and stainless steel. Metals that cannot be plated are galvanized metal, zinc and carbide. The use of small and personal plating kits allows for a single person in their home or place of business to plate many of these metals for whatever reason needed. Plating can be used by watch repairers, clock makers, guitar enthusiasts, model builders, motorcycle repairers and even chemistry students working on a class project.

There are many of these kits available online including nickel plating kits that can add a shine and glimmer to small parts that lack it. Nickel is also very corrosion resistant and will stand up to harsh weather and looks similar to chrome. Nickel plating will leave a hard exterior shell and provide that extra protection a part may need. Motorcyclists who work on their own equipment, for example, may want to use a nickel plating kit to add some electroplating to some exterior pieces on their custom bike. This is possible because a modern electroplating kit is very accessible and doesn't require some of the caustic and hazardous materials that have in the past been a part of the plating process.

Plating works through the transfer of material from one object to the next. The electrical current from either a battery or a 12 volt power source causes the primary material to "reduce" then follow the wires to the other object where it covers it with a layer of the primary metal. It is an old and very tried and true process. Automobile parts are routinely plated in the car building process. An example, is a chrome plated fender. But this is on an industrial level, for the personal plater who wants to work on smaller parts like a watch or jewelry, smaller electroplating kits are available.

Many of these plating kits, like a nickel plating kit, rely on metal salts or a solution where the two objects are immersed while clipped to one another and also to the battery or power source. The first object is the anode while the second object is the cathode. The cathode is the object that is to be plated with a new material. For example, someone may have a piece of copper artwork that they want to cover with a nickel finish. First the copper should be cleaned and degreased. The copper object should also be free of nicks or dents as plating tends to build up around corners and edges and become thinner over dented areas. Once the copper material has been cleaned it may be plated with the nickel in order to add a sheen that is both shiny and protective. The entire process can be completed at-home with a do-it-yourself pack with some of the easy electroplating kits now on the market.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/plating-kits-for-electroplating-nickel-5664292.html

    Article Tags:

    nickel plating kit

    ,

    nickel electroplating

    ,

    ni electroplating

    ,

    nickel kit

    ,

    electroplating kit

    ,

    home nickel plating

    ,

    diy nickel plating

    ,

    electroplating nickel

    A nickel electroplating kit can range from a small brush-type plating kit to a large kit that incorporates several bottles of solution, a tank, a power supply and everything else needed to complete the task of nickel plating. Many people will look for the ability to not only plate gold and silver in an electroplating process but also have the product and material to be able to do copper and nickel plating as well.

    By: Jim Alvarezl Automotive> Carsl Mar 18, 2012

    Nickel plating kits and electroplating kits can use any number of base metals in order to plate and give finish to these materials. Choosing the correct plating kit for nickel plating after defining which base metal to plate is the next step for the home, hobby or small business company that wishes to use plating as a method of repair, restoration or decoration.

    By: Jim Alvarezl Hobbies> Craftsl Mar 03, 2012

    Nickel plating kits can either use electricity or run without a power source. Plating kits that use a battery or AC adapter are known as electroplating kits while those that don't are electroless kits.

    By: Jim Alvarezl Hobbies> Craftsl Mar 24, 2012

    A smart move is to buy a nickel plating kit from an online or local dealer. Isn't working with your own material what a hobby is all about? Why take a motorcycle part into a plating shop when this is something that can be done inside one's own garage or at-home workshop?

    By: Jim Alvarezl Hobbies> Craftsl Feb 23, 2012

    There are a few different ways to plate nickel onto a conductive material and one of the best ways to do this and complete a uniform layer regardless of angles or geometric structure of the material to be plated is electroless plating.

    By: Jim Alvarezl Hobbies> Craftsl Apr 15, 2012

    Discover coconut oil benefits! Coconut oil is used in many ways. Some use it for making homemade soap. It has outstanding skin care properties. Learn different types of coconut oil and choose the best for you. Homemade skin care products made with coconut oil differ, greatly, from commercial products with harsh foaming agents. Don't miss this important skin care and soap making information!

    By: Susan Katchurl Hobbies> Craftsl Jun 01, 2012

    Ever since I was a child, it has always bothered me why certain disparities between men and women exist when it has long ago been established by the Almighty that every human being has been created equal.

    By: Jo Ellenl Hobbies> Craftsl May 28, 2012

    In my hometown, the natives of the land and the Malays would usually engage in trading and sell goods that are considered homegrown in their respective places. This is made possible because it would only take a ferry-ride to reach their destination. Hence, the bartering of goods usually happens on the shore; and, most of the time these goods would include textiles. They were not just ordinary textiles, though. They were first class cloths interwoven by the very hands of man.

    By: Jo Ellenl Hobbies> Craftsl May 28, 2012

    While origami is native to the Japanese, the reach of this paper craft has gone globally, even to us Americans who find the sequences of folding paper almost intoxicating. Of particular importance is how to follow the easy origami crane paper folding process; a treasured tradition that is almost considered holy in Japan.

    By: Alyssa Hendricksl Hobbies> Craftsl May 24, 2012

    In the event you like arts and crafts and choose to decorate your stuff at household then all you'll need is a computer, a printer and some specific waterslide decal paper. This short article explains the kind of tasks you could do and explains the way to do it. This article will explain to you concerning the four kinds of waterslide paper, their differences, how to use them and some well-known tasks.

    By: irfanuddin38l Hobbies> Craftsl May 23, 2012

    There are a few recommendations on fuel types for those who plan on using an RV generator during their spring, summer or fall travels. Recreational vehicles are a fun and convenient way to enjoy the outdoors and the best way to keep power running into your camp is to follow tips that experience and knowledge can provide.

    By: Jim Alvarezl Automotive> RVsl Jun 01, 2012

    Most generators will operate and perform in a reliable fashion without any difficulties, but if trouble does happen there are some things to look for so that the issue can be focused on and taken care of. Always look for a troubleshooting guide in your owner's manual and keep this booklet nearby to your unit just in case you need it.

    By: Jim Alvarezl Automotive> RVsl May 20, 2012

    Some RV generators can take advantage of a controller system that allows the owner to remotely operate the power unit. This is important because many times a genset may be installed in a compartment and the operator may need access to more than just an on/off switch during the time when the generator is being used in the field. The convenience products like an energy command center can bring are exceptional.

    By: Jim Alvarezl Automotive> RVsl May 03, 2012

    If you have an RV generator it's best to check with the manufacturer to see where the most optimal, functional and safe place is to position your generator. The top spot for the generator is in between the vehicle's frame but sometimes this is not possible to achieve. Many units should then be placed in the side area but this can make them hard to reinforce.

    By: Jim Alvarezl Automotive> RVsl May 01, 2012

    It is always important to keep your RV generator in the best condition possible and that includes frequent oil changes, spark plug replacements and battery cleaning. While these are to some degree good habits to get into and will increase the longevity of any RV generator there is another maintenance task that should never be avoided but can be often times overlooked and that is to make sure to run a full tank of gas every month.

    By: Jim Alvarezl Automotive> RVsl Apr 17, 2012
    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast