Jane Kits : faqs: nickel plating kits, zinc plating kits, copper plating kits, gold plating kits
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
 
Q… Is the chemical used more than once or is it thrown away after use?

A... The chemical is used over and over again. Keep it in a screw top container and pour out whatever you require for each job. Return it to storage after use. If kept clean it will last 12 months or more.

NOTE: Items to be plated must be spotlessly and chemically clean.
 
Q…Are the chemicals harmful?
A…The chemicals are mildly acidic.There are no dangerous fumes, and there are no cyanide based chemicals used. Label the electrolytes and put them out of the way of children, especially if they are stored in fruit juice bottles. Nickel is green, copper blue, and Gold Brite is of course golden coloured.
 
Q…Can one plate plastics or alloys?
A…Stick to plating steel, brass, or copper. Plating plastics or alloys is a special process and should be avoided by the home plater.
 
Q....Are additional supplies of the various kit contents available when required?
A....Yes…The only top ups that you will ever need are new electrolyte, and new anodes, but not for a long time unless you do an exceptional amount of plating.
 
Q.…How long does it take to plate the items?
A…You are best leave the items in about 40 mins. or so. If it is nickel and you intend to buff the part, leave it in an hour. It is up to yourself.
 
Q…Can you plate directly onto bare metals?
A…Yes in the case of nickel or zinc, but no in the case of copper. Acid copper which is what you will be using does not plate onto steel. It will plate onto non ferrous metals. To plate onto steel with copper, flash a thin coat of nickel on first and then copper.
 
Q…Which is the best and longer lasting plated surface?
A….Over a long period of time zinc tends to sacrifice itself to the atmosphere and its protection from corrosion is not as good. However, I have zinc plated parts on my bikes done 5 years ago and still lasting well. Nickel is more like chrome and if done properly will last indefinitely.
 
Q…Does the electrolyte have to be heated to carry out plating?
A… The electrolyte only has to be heated in the case of nickel, the plating of zinc or copper is done at room temp.
Nickel must be heated to 50 to 60 degrees Celcius
Zinc or Copper should be at 25 to 30 degrees Celcius (IE warm it on a cold day)
 
Q....How does one heat the nickel electrolyte?
A.…One of the best ways is to stand the tank in hot water in a Crock pot. A ceramic tank can be used on a hot plate. A Stainless Steel container can also be used, heated on a gas ring or hot plate


MORE INFORMATION
 

There is a very comprehensive instruction book in the kit which explains fully the best method to use for bench top plating and advice on how to avoid the pitfalls.
This page is by no means intended to offer instruction on electroplating. It is mainly to let you know what is in the kit if you purchase one of them. As most restorers or home handymen have very little idea of what is involved in doing your own plating, here is a brief outline of what it entails.

The liquid chemical after it has been mixed must be kept warm in order to plate nickel. Zinc or copper are plated at room temperature. I use an old kitchen crock pot on the bench to heat my chemical for nickel plating. My chemical is in a plastic tank standing in hot water in the pot.
The power supply is plugged in and set to 6 volts or less for a very small item.
The copper pipes supplied are laid on top of the tank and the items to be plated and the anodes are arranged as per the instructions in the book. The anodes are hanging on the nickel wire supplied and the items to be plated are hanging on short pieces of copper wire cut to size. There are various ways to rig up the plating tank and the jobs in it, common sense is the go. The most important thing is that there must be a complete electrical circuit, with the power on the current flows through the electroplating chemical.
The POSITIVE wire is connected to the anodes and NEGATIVE wire is connected to your items to be plated....The current flow takes the metal from the anodes and deposits it on the items that you wish to plate. The items will be nicely plated in about 40 minutes if you have done everything correctly. Anything that you wish to plate must be chemically and spotlessly clean. Full details on cleaning including cleaning items electrically using a battery or a battery charger is covered in the instruction book.
 
If you have any more enquiries, do not hesistate to contact John on (02)49434992 or 0421 458 482. He will always be happy to assist.