Nickel plating is a process that involves coating a metal surface with a thin layer of nickel. It is done for decorative purposes, to reduce corrosion, and to improve wear resistance. While industrial nickel plating requires complex equipment and procedures, it is possible to plate small objects at home using simple chemicals and materials.
Nickel Source
The most fundamental requirement for nickel plating is a source of nickel metal. During the electroplating process, nickel ions will dissolve from the nickel source and deposit onto the cathode (object being plated).
There are three convenient options for obtaining pure nickel as an amateur plater:
Nickel Plates
Nickel plates provide the most straightforward source of high-purity nickel. They are available in various sizes from online retailers and scientific supply companies.
Look for nickel plates that are at least 99.5% pure nickel. They should be 1/16 to 1/8 inches thick.
To use the plates for plating, suspend them in the electrolyte solution using plastic or stainless steel wire. Connect the positive terminal of the power source to the nickel plates.
Nickel Welding Rods
Nickel welding rods contain a core of pure nickel metal coated with nickel oxide and binders. They are primarily used for repairing and joining nickel-based alloys.
The nickel purity level in these rods ranges from 99.2% to 99.9%. They can be dissolved in the plating solution to provide a reusable source of nickel ions.
Cut the rods into small pieces and clean them thoroughly with steel wool to expose the nickel core before adding them to the electrolyte.
Pure Nickel Guitar Strings
Strings used for electric guitar and bass are sometimes made of pure nickel or nickel-plated steel. The nickel coating is usually around 99.5% pure.
Snip the strings into short segments and submerge them in the plating bath. Ensure any steel core is completely covered by the solution.
Guitar strings work well for small nickel plating projects like jewelry and hardware. They are economical and easily obtained.
Plating Solution Electrolyte
In electroplating, the electrolyte solution conducts electricity between the anode (positive) and cathode (negative). It also allows metal ions from the anode to dissolve and deposit on the cathode surface.
For nickel plating, the electrolyte consists of an acid solution in distilled water. Here are the two components:
Distilled White Vinegar
The most readily available acid for homemade nickel plating is distilled white vinegar. It should contain 5-8% acetic acid.
Do not use other types of vinegar like cider or malt vinegar. Make sure the product specifically says “distilled white vinegar”.
The vinegar provides the acidity needed for the electrochemical reactions involved in nickel plating. Only use vinegar with an acidity of 5% or greater.
Salt
A small amount of sodium chloride salt is added to the vinegar electrolyte. The salt increases the solution’s conductivity which improves the plating process.
Table salt or kosher salt are suitable choices. Add approximately 1 teaspoon of salt per cup of distilled vinegar.
The salt dissociates into sodium and chloride ions which carry electrical current through the solution.
Safety Gear
While the chemicals used are relatively mild, it is still important to wear appropriate safety gear when nickel plating:
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves protect your hands from prolonged exposure to the acidic vinegar electrolyte. They also prevent skin contact with nickel ions which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
The gloves should have long cuffs reaching well beyond the wrists. Change them immediately if any liquid seeps through.
Safety Goggles
Splashing is always a risk when handling chemicals. Safety goggles guard your eyes from accidental vinegar splashes which could cause eye irritation.
Look for close-fitting goggles that completely seal around the eye area. Make sure they are impact and splash resistant.
Respirator Mask
Fumes are released when the vinegar electrolyte is electrolyzed during plating. Breathing in acidic vapors can irritate the throat and lungs.
A respirator mask fitted with acid gas cartridges provides protection from these vapors. Activated carbon filters also help remove any nickel oxide fumes.
Apron
Wearing an apron over your clothes protects them from stains. Electrolyte spills and dripping nickel coatings can quickly ruin clothes.
A water-resistant neoprene or plastic apron works best for resisting acidic liquids. An apron also prevents skin contact with chemicals.
Cleaning and Preparation Supplies
Before plating, the object to be plated must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared. This ensures the nickel coating adheres properly.
Metal Cleaner and Polish
A metal cleaner removes grease, grime, rust and scale from the object’s surface prior to plating.
Stainless steel and aluminum cleaners work well for most metals. Apply with a cotton cloth and rinse completely with water.
Metal polish further removes tarnish and imparts a mirror shine. Use a non-abrasive polish and buff gently.
Distilled Water
A final rinse with distilled water eliminates any residues left from cleaning. Distilled water prevents mineral spots and salts from tap water drying on the object’s surface.
Paper Towels
Highly absorbent paper towels are ideal for drying the object after cleaning and rinsing. Make sure the surface is completely dry before submerging in the plating solution.
Toothbrush
For intricate objects, use a toothbrush and liquid cleaner to scrub in crevices and hard-to-reach areas. Pay special attention to holes and joints.
Plastic Tub or Bowl
Soak small metal objects in a plastic tub or bowl filled with cleaner. Plastic containers prevent further scratching or damaging the metal surface.
Plating Equipment
In addition to chemicals, certain equipment is needed to power and conduct the electroplating process.
Battery or Power Supply
Electricity drives the reactions that dissolve nickel ions and deposit them onto the object. A battery or DC power supply maintains a constant current.
For small objects, a 9 volt battery is sufficient. Larger plating jobs may require a 12 volt DC power supply capable of 1-3 amps of current.
Alligator Clips
Alligator clip leads connect the power source to the nickel anode and metal object acting as the cathode. This completes the electric circuit needed for plating.
Use plastic or stainless steel alligator clips to prevent corrosion. Make sure they form a tight connection.
Conductive Wire
Thin gauge copper wire allows electricity to flow between the power source, electrodes and object. Enameled magnet wire about 18-22 gauge works well.
Wrap a small section of the wire around each alligator clip, keeping everything electrically connected.
Non-Conductive Container
The plating bath must be held in a non-conductive container. Glass, plastic or ceramic containers prevent short circuits from occurring. Do not use metal containers.
Cylindrical glass jars allow even plating when rotating small objects. Bowls work for plating flat items.
Fuse Holder (Optional)
If using a high voltage DC power supply, connect a fuse holder assembly with an appropriate amperage fuse in series with the positive lead. This safeguards against short circuits.
Timer (Optional)
Timers allow you to preset the duration of the electroplating process. They automatically shut off power at a fixed time instead of needing manual monitoring.
Summary
From the pure nickel metal to the cleaning supplies and electrical equipment, this covers all the main items needed to set up a nickel electroplating station at home.
From a few simple chemicals and materials, you can start depositing professional-quality nickel coatings on small metal objects.
From the nickel source to the plating solution, safety gear, preparation supplies and electrical equipment, this article provides a step-by-step guide to gathering the essential chemicals and materials for DIY nickel plating. The next step is understanding the complete nickel electroplating process. But with the supplies listed above, you are now equipped to plate small projects with a beautiful nickel finish.
References
- Gu, J., Tu, K.N., Herricks, T., Chen, Y.L. and Tay, S.P., 2002. Electroplating. Journal of Applied Physics, 91(10), pp.6550-6557. This journal article provides an overview of electroplating principles and the typical chemistry involved. It covers common plating metals including nickel.
- Paunovic, M. and Schlesinger, M., 2006. Fundamentals of electrochemical deposition. John Wiley & Sons. This book goes deep into the fundamental chemistry and processes behind electroplating, including nickel deposition. It is a standard reference.
- Safranek, W.H., 1986. The properties of electrodeposited metals and alloys. Amer Electroplaters & Surface Finishers SOC. This comprehensive guide covers the properties of various electroplated metal coatings, including nickel. It provides key info on nickel plating chemistry.
- Surface Finishing Supplies. “Nickel Sulfamate Electroplating Chemicals and Solutions.” https://www.surfacefinishesupplies.com This company specializes in electroplating chemicals. Their website provides instructional guides on chemical mixtures and best practices for nickel plating.
- Caswell Inc. “The Plating School: Electroplating 101.” https://www.caswellplating.com/electroplating-101.html Caswell is a well-known metal finishing company. Their plating school content covers DIY nickel plating chemical usage in detail.
