Copper is one of the most widely used metals in the world; this material has long been used to make tools. This active use of copper is due to its unique technical and operational properties. Currently, without copper it is impossible to exist in such industries as metallurgy, the automotive industry, electrical engineering and construction. This material is also needed in living conditions, which is why many are so interested in how to carry out copper plating at home.
Copper plating is usually understood as the electroplating of copper, and the layer thickness should range from one to three hundred micrometers. Copper plating is copper plating metal product as preparation for chrome plating, nickel or silver. However, this procedure can also be used as an independent surface treatment.
As preparatory process Copper plating of steel helps to level the surface, because, as you know, copper adheres firmly to steel, which cannot be said about other materials. Various metals are deposited quite well on a copper-plated coating (much better than on pure steel).
Experts include high adhesion to other metals, ductility and reliability among the distinctive characteristics of copper coating. However, with constant exposure to factors environment Copper coating quickly oxidizes and becomes covered with rainbow stains, stains and plaque.
Copper plating can be done on surfaces made of steel, zinc and even aluminum. The newly applied copper layer has a crimson tint with a slightly noticeable metallic sheen.
Where is it used?
There are several main cases of using copper plating:
- For decoration. Recently, the demand for antique copper products has increased. Using a special treatment, the applied layer of copper gives the surface an “aged look”.
- This method iron deposition is used to produce copies of individual copper parts various forms and sizes. First, a base of wax or plastic is created, which is subsequently coated with an electrically conductive solution and a copper layer. This technology is widely used in the manufacture of souvenirs, jewelry, as well as bas-reliefs and waveguides.
- In electrical engineering. The low cost of copper plating makes this method stand out - in comparison with coatings made of silver or gold, copper products can be used in the electrical industries (for the production of electrodes, live contacts and as a base for soldering).
Copper plating technology is also combined with various types galvanization:
- To create a multi-layer decorative coating with weak protective characteristics. In this case, copper, chromium and nickel are used - a three-layer protective and decorative layer, which increases the degree of adhesion to the main surface material.
- To protect a specific area of a part during carburizing. When galvanizing lead products with copper, it is necessary to protect the coatings steel elements from carburization. Only those areas that will be subsequently subjected to mechanical processing can be copper plating.
- During restoration work. During the copper plating process, an intermediate layer is formed on the restored part, which will subsequently serve as the basis for a more durable coating (chrome plating, nickel plating). The galvanic method is characterized by the application of a thick layer of copper, up to two hundred and fifty micrometers. This is due to the need to eliminate all damage and surface defects.
On video: galvanic copper plating for decorative purposes.
Features of the process in everyday life
Copper plating metal objects It is called galvanostegy. The principle is to immerse the object in an electrolyte solution with precipitated copper sulfate. Few people know that galvanization can be carried out at home; this does not require special equipment. This operation helps prepare the surface for subsequent treatments or serves as an intermediate stage when applying nickel, chromium, and brass.
Products processed in this way, with the addition of other metals to copper, are very resistant to aggressive factors. Copper plating does not require special skills or professional knowledge, however, there are several nuances that must be taken into account.
In everyday life, chemical galvanization of small parts is carried out, since it does not require large financial costs and additional equipment.
On video: the principle of copper plating of metal objects.
How is chemical copper plating carried out at home?
To apply copper at home, you first need to prepare a working solution and create two opposite electrodes, since during the copper plating process, copper ions in the electrolytic solution will be attracted to the negative pole. Application to metal surface copper in industrial conditions and in industrial scale most often used as the final operation in the processing of a product.
However, if you are going to copper plating the metal on our own, then you must know the operating procedure. Next, we will look at how to coat a part with copper at home. chemically with immersion in an electrolyte solution. This process can easily be done at home if you know all the features of using copper. Execution algorithm:
1. For a copper solvent on metal, you can take a regular battery electrolyte. It is sold at any hardware store, but you can make it yourself. It is necessary to maintain a 100:3 ratio of distilled water and sulfuric acid, adjusted for the required volume of electrolyte. Then up to 20 grams of copper sulfate (copper sulfate) is added to the mixture.
Important! Other specialized compounds can be added to copper sulfate, depending on the end goal.
2. The part must first be cleaned with abrasive materials to remove the oxide layer. Next, the surface of the part to be coated is degreased with a hot solution of sodium carbonate and washed with running water (so that various contaminants do not accumulate on the metals).
3. The galvanization tank is filled with an electrolytic solution to the required volume, after which two copper plates (on the coatings of which copper ions will form) on the conductors are placed in the solution, and a part intended for copper plating is placed between them.
4. The ends of the conductors and hangers for the part are connected to a current source, which can be galvanic elements or rechargeable batteries(plus for the plates, minus for the part). An ammeter and a rheostat must first be connected in series to the circuit.
5. The galvanization process takes from fifteen to twenty minutes, after which you need to turn off the power supply and remove the part from the solution. This time is enough for the part to be covered with a thin layer of copper. To obtain a thicker coating, it is necessary to increase the duration of the process. The metal surface becomes more durable, its technical and operational properties increase.
How to make a solution for home copper plating (3 videos)
Copper-plated parts (25 photos)
Galvanization is also a section applied science"Electrochemistry", which studies the processes that occur during the deposition of metal cations on a cathode placed in an electrolytic solution, and technological process. Electroplating at home or performed in production allows you to apply a thin layer of metal to the surface of the workpiece, which can act as a protective or decorative coating.
Methods for implementing such a technological process, which is quite complex, have already been well developed, so today it is actively used not only by manufacturing enterprises, but also by many home craftsmen.
Process Features
The coating formed on the workpiece using galvanization can be applied for technological purposes or perform decorative, protective, or both functions at once. For decorative purposes, a thin layer of gold or silver is created, and to ensure reliable protection the surface of the workpiece from corrosion, perform galvanizing or galvanic copper plating.
It is not difficult to do electroplating even at home. This procedure is performed as follows.
- Two anodes are lowered into a dielectric container with electrolyte, connected to the positive contact of the electric current source. The material used to manufacture such anodes must be metal, the layer from which must be formed.
- The workpiece itself, connected to the negative terminal of the electric current source and thus acting as a cathode, is placed in the electrolyte between the anodes.
- Galvanization, that is, the process of transferring metal molecules from the electrolyte to the cathode product, begins to occur at the moment when the resulting electrical network is closed.
As a result, a thin and uniform layer of metal is formed on the treated surface, which was originally contained in the chemical composition of the electrolyte.
Necessary equipment
Do-it-yourself electroplating can be done with high quality using even the simplest equipment that many craftsmen have in their arsenal. First of all, you should choose a source direct current, which must be equipped with an output voltage regulator. The presence of such a regulator is necessary in order to be able to smoothly and widely change the power of your homemade device for electroplating.
As a power source at home, it is very convenient to use an electric current rectifier, which you can assemble yourself (or purchase a serial model). Many craftsmen who carry out the application electroplating At home, commercial welding machines are used as a power source.
A do-it-yourself galvanic bath can also be made without any problems. Any container made of glass or plastic can be used as such a bath, but it must be taken into account that such a container for electroplating must contain both the workpiece and the required amount of electrolyte. It is also very important that the bath is strong enough and can withstand high temperatures, the value of which can reach up to 80°.
Anodes used for electroplating at home perform several important functions:
- add to electrolyte electricity and ensure uniform distribution of the latter over the treated surface;
- compensate for the loss of metal applied to the product, consumed from the chemical composition of the electrolyte;
- promote the occurrence of certain oxidative processes.
When choosing anodes for your galvanic apparatus, you should observe one thing: important rule: their area must be larger than the area of the surface being treated.
Electroplating at home cannot be carried out without the use of a heating device, with the help of which the electrolyte is brought to the required operating temperature. It is very convenient when the intensity of heating provided by such a device can be adjusted. If we rely on the experience of home craftsmen who already have experience in applying electroplating at home, we can recommend using a small electric stove or a regular iron with adjustable heating level of the soleplate as a heating device.
What is needed to prepare the electrolyte?
To safely store at home the chemical reagents from which the electrolyte for electroplating will be prepared, as well as the finished solution itself, you will need glass containers with ground-in lids. The amount of chemical reagents from which the electrolytic solution is prepared must be measured with an accuracy of one gram. To solve this problem at home, even inexpensive electronic scales, which can be purchased at any hardware store, are suitable.
If you decide to apply electroplating to various products at home, you will probably encounter the problem of purchasing chemical reagents from which the electrolytic solution is prepared. The fact is that organizations producing and selling such chemical substances, can only sell them to those who have the appropriate permits. It is problematic to purchase such chemical reagents for a private person or even an organization that does not have such documents.
How to properly prepare the product for the procedure
After you have made your electroplating apparatus, found all the necessary equipment and chemical components, you can begin such an important process as preparing the product that will be subjected to electroplating. The importance of such a process is very difficult to overestimate, since the quality of its implementation largely determines what characteristics the finished coating will have.
In most cases, preparing a product for electroplating is not limited to just cleaning its surface from dirt and degreasing it. Subsequent grinding is also carried out using sandpaper and special pastes.
Galvanic coating highlights all surface imperfections, so the part being processed must be ideally prepared, that is, all chips, scratches and cavities must be eliminated
In order to degrease the surface to be treated before galvanizing, you can use organic solvents in pure form or prepare a special solution for these purposes. In particular, to effectively degrease steel or cast iron at home, solutions are prepared that contain caustic soda, liquid glass, sodium carbonate and sodium phosphate. Degreasing of products made from such metals is carried out in a solution heated to 90°. Non-ferrous metals can be effectively degreased with solutions containing laundry soap and sodium phosphate.
To obtain high-quality galvanic coating both at home and in production conditions, it is also necessary to remove the oxide film from the surface being treated, for which special pickling solutions with sulfuric or hydrochloric acid are used.
Safety requirements
Any galvanic operation (zinc plating, chrome plating, nickel plating, copper plating, etc.) is a dangerous technological process, therefore, when performing it at home, it is necessary to strictly follow safety requirements. What makes electroplating dangerous is both toxic chemicals and heat heating the electrolyte, as well as the risks associated with any electrochemical processes.
To carry out electroplating at home, it is better to set aside non-residential premises, which can be a garage or workshop. It must have high-quality ventilation. All electrical equipment, which you will use to do electroplating, must be grounded.
Personal safety is the most important rule that should be strictly adhered to when performing electroplating at home. Measures that can ensure such security include:
- use of a respirator to protect the respiratory tract;
- protect your hands with soft and durable rubber gloves;
- use of an oilcloth apron and shoes when working that can protect the skin of your feet from burns;
- protection of the organs of vision with the help of special glasses.
In addition, during the galvanization procedure you should not eat or drink anything, so as not to accidentally ingest harmful fumes.
To be prepared for any surprises that may arise during such an operation, it is better to first read specialized literature or even watch a training video on this topic.
Nickel plating
Coating metal with a layer of nickel at home can be done as finishing or before chrome plating. This process is called “galvanostegy”, since a layer of nickel applied to the surface of the product increases its resistance to negative factors. external environment. In addition to its high protective properties, the nickel layer is also distinguished by its decorative appeal.
The electrolyte temperature when performing nickel plating does not exceed 25°, and the current density is within 1.2 A/dm 2. The electrolyte, the acidity of which should be within 4–5 pH, is an aqueous solution containing such chemical elements, such as nickel sulfate, magnesium, sodium, table salt, boric acid.
After the electroplating process is completed, the product is removed from the electrolytic solution, washed in water, thoroughly dried and polished.
Chrome plating
Galvanic chrome plating at home or at manufacturing plant allows you to give the surface layer of the processed product higher hardness, resistance to corrosion, and also decorativeness. Since chrome plating is characterized by fairly high porosity, it is performed after galvanic application of copper to the workpiece (or nickel plating). To perform this technological operation, anodes are used that are made of an alloy of lead, tin and antimony.
The final result of chrome plating, which is quite difficult to do at home, since it requires the use of high-density currents - up to 100 A/dm 2, is influenced by various factors. The most significant of them include:
- the temperature of the electrolyte used - the shade of the formed coating depends on this parameter, which can be matte (temperature below 35°), shiny (35–55°) and milky (above 55°);
- chemical composition electrolyte, which affects the protective properties of the coating being formed, as well as its color, which can be dark blue, blue, agate.
The final stage of chrome plating after removing the part from the electrolytic solution is washing the treated surface with water, followed by neutralization in the solution baking soda, another washing, drying and polishing using special pastes.
Copper plating
Copper plating using electroplating at home is necessary in order to create a conductive layer on the surface of the workpiece, which has a small value electrical resistance, and also in order to protect the part from the negative influence of the external environment.
Applying a layer of copper to steel and cast iron products without first covering them with a layer of nickel is deadly, since this requires the use of cyanide electrolyte.
After preliminary nickel plating, the metal is coated with a layer of copper using a solution of copper sulfate, concentrated sulfuric acid and water at room temperature.
Gilding and silvering
Coating a metal with a layer of silver or gold is not only a galvanoplastic processing method, in which an exact copy is obtained from the surface of the processed product, but also a technology that makes it possible to create a protective and conductive layer on the part. To apply silver to a ferrous metal part, it must first be coated with nickel.
The electrolyte for silver plating includes potassium ferric cyanide, sodium carbonate and distilled water. Working temperature of such a solution should not exceed 20°. Graphite plates are used as anodes when performing silvering by electroplating.
Electroplating at home is also possible, during which the surface of the product is formed using a layer of gold. In addition, using this technology, simple gilding of a part can be performed. In this case, an aqueous solution of gold with potassium bluehydride is used for electroplating. You can work with such an electrolytic solution only in rooms with a good ventilation system.
Many home craftsmen are wondering how to make the gilding process safer for human health. To solve this problem, the poisonous acid can be replaced with potassium ferrous sulfide, which is also called blood salt. Before gilding at home, the product is thoroughly cleaned and plated with copper if it is made of steel, lead, tin or zinc. To improve the adhesion of the gold layer to the surface being treated, the product is dipped into a solution of mercury nitrate before treatment.
The content of the article:
Copper plating at home is a technological process that allows you to apply a layer of copper with a thickness of 1 to 300 microns to metal, as well as other materials (tungsten, steel). Coating with a copper layer ensures good adhesion of the metal and, with increasing thickness of the coatings, gives shine to products, eliminates minor defects, and allows you to create copies of things. Surprisingly, you can do all this yourself. Today we will tell you how to carry out copper plating of metal at home.
Electroplating with copper at home: general information
From a technical point of view, processing is an electrochemical process. There are always two “participants” in the process: the anode + electrolyte (metal source) and the part.
The technology of copper electroplating at home is quite simple. It consists in the fact that due to the electrolyte and the current conducted through it, metal atoms are released. They settle on the surface, forming a copper coating.
Among the main stages of electroplating copper plating at home:
- Surface preparation (mechanical and chemical).
- Applying an undercoat (if necessary)
- Copper plating in an electrolyte corresponding to the original metal.
For decorative galvanic copper plating, matte and shiny copper plating electrolytes are suitable. After applying the layer, you can treat the surface in electrolytes of silver, gold, nickel, etc.
Necessary tools for copper plating at home
“Ingredients” without which copper plating will not take place, but which can actually be prepared at home. Our galvanists claim that, first of all, we need:
- DC source. Selected depending on the size of the product.
- Anodes. Anode plates perform several functions. First of all, they supply current to the electrolyte, and secondly, they compensate for the loss of metal that goes into coating the product.
- Working electrolyte. Acidic, alkaline or pyrophosphoric solution. The composition of the electrolyte is selected depending on the starting metal. It must be remembered that any electrolyte is not universal and is not suitable for all jobs.
Preparation of material
How to properly prepare a simple copper plating electrolyte
It is worth noting that electroplating with copper at home is difficult because the chemicals are not easy to find. Companies selling similar products, do not sell them without special documents. But you can do everything yourself.
It is possible to prepare electrolyte at home only if the recipe is strictly followed. The simplest electrolyte contains:
- Distilled water (or bidistillate).
- Copper sulfate.
- Hydrochloric or other acid.
The finished solution has a bright Blue colour, no smell. Some sediment may be present. It is important to follow all safety precautions with chemical reagents, especially at home: protect hands and eyes first. Clothes on which the solution could accidentally spill are best classified as summer clothes.
It is better to store such liquid in glass bottles or plastic canisters, and also be sure to indicate the date of bottling and the name of the solution. Proper storage of components will save you from possible problems. Electrolyte preparation should take place in clean plastic or glass containers.
Preparing material for copper plating at home
Chemical copper plating is an alternative to the electrochemical method, but cannot always replace it. In this process, it is important to carefully prepare the part, completely eliminating scratches, dirt, chips, etc. In order to degrease an item, you can use both pure solvents and degreasing solutions.
Wherein universal method No - different types metals are cleaned in different ways:
- Steel. You can degrease steel with a solution containing caustic sodium and caustic potassium at 70-90 degrees Celsius. This will take about 20-30 minutes. Be careful and use a hood.
- Copper and alloys. Degreasing is carried out with sodium hydroxide, preheated to 40°, for about 10 minutes.
- Cast iron. The degreasing process requires a solution containing sodium hydroxide, liquid glass, sodium carbonate and sodium phosphate when heated to 90°.
- Tungsten. Copper plating of tungsten at home begins with cleaning the object from dirt and other defects sandpaper.
Safety precautions for copper plating at home
Despite the possibility of electroplating at home (copper plating), the process remains dangerous. Any galvanic process involves toxic substances that can become very hot. Therefore, precautions must be strictly observed.
The first rule of copper electroplating at home is to work only in a non-residential, well-ventilated area. Places such as a workshop or garage are suitable. The second rule is that the equipment used must be grounded. Third is personal safety.
To ensure your own protection when copper plating at home you need:
- Wear a respirator at all times to protect your airways. It is best to use a hood.
- Protect your hands with durable rubberized gloves.
- Wear a special uniform or oilcloth apron and anti-burn shoes.
- Don't forget glasses for visual safety.
- Do not bring food or drink into the premises.
Before copper plating, it is better to take care of reading specialized literature on this topic in advance. It is advisable to consult with specialists in this field.
Electroplating at home: copper plating
Why is copper so popular in electroplating? It has high adhesion (in other words, grip) to the most different materials. This means that it adheres perfectly to products made of steel and tungsten, without flying off or chipping.
Copper is a beautiful bright metal that looks like pink-red nuggets. The material conducts not only heat, but also electric current - hence the high demand in the field of electrical engineering and instrument making. However, pure copper is difficult to find. More often it comes with various impurities.
Copper coatings:
- They are characterized by low resistance, which is used in electrical engineering
- Hides minor surface imperfections.
- It oxidizes quickly, which is used to obtain an “antique” effect.
There are two copper plating technologies. One occurs by immersing the product in an electrolyte solution (with or without current supply). The second method is a method of selective coating without immersion in a solution. Let's look at both.
Immersion method
At home, the surface to be electroplated should be carefully treated. For example, sandpaper and a brush. Afterwards, be sure to degrease the part and rinse it.
- The anode plate (two are possible) is placed in a container, which we will call a bath. The positive terminal is connected to the anodes.
- A part is suspended between the anodes on any convenient conductor, and the negative pole from the power supply is connected to it.
- The finished solution is poured into the bath - in this case, the coating level should be higher than the part is located.
- After connecting the electrodes to the current source, the operating current is set. This is approximately 1 A/sq.dm. coverings.
The duration of work depends on the required layer thickness, usually from 5 minutes.
Non-immersion coating
This method of copper plating has limitations - most often it is suitable for surface restoration. This method can only apply a small thickness of metal. There is no point in coating products using this method that can be copper plated in a bath.
Procedure for galvanic copper plating at home:
- A “tampon” is prepared for applying the coating. Take a copper conductor and wrap a piece of artificial fabric (polyester is fine).
- The opposite end of the conductor is connected to the positive terminal of the voltage source.
- Fill the container with an electrolyte solution - this makes it easier to dip the pencil.
- The part is carefully cleaned and degreased, and then placed in an empty bath. There the product is connected to the negative terminal.
- The swab is moistened in the solution. Then it is passed over the surface of the product, painting it gradually.
The process lasts until the product is completely covered with a copper layer.
Features of galvanoplasty at home
Electroplating is the process of depositing copper onto a conductive or non-conductive surface of a product and then removing the coating from the negative matrix. This way you can get many very accurate copies from one product. At the same time, there is a condition: build up copper with a thickness of at least 200 microns so that the product turns out durable.
It is important to consider that if the surface of the product does not have conductor properties, then more effort will be required - namely, a special preliminary coating with graphite, silver or copper. Copper is considered the main metal for electroplating, but matrices can be grown from silver with a purity of 9999.
Electroplating training
We can conclude that copper plating today is one of the most relevant electroplating processes that anyone can learn. The company "6 microns" provides training in the field of "Galvanization" for everyone! You will be able to choose a training program that is convenient for you, which is best suited for electroplating at home and beyond. Any questions you may have can be asked by phone or e-mail, our technologists will advise on training courses.
Video guide to copper plating parts at home:
In this instruction I will tell you how in a few simple steps cover the metal washer with copper. You will have a wide field for experimentation: you can change the time, voltage and composition of acids. I will only go through the basic steps of electrolytic copper plating, explaining the “how to do it”, but not going into detail about “why it happens.”
Briefly about the experiment at home: its price varies between 50-150 rubles, the experiment will take you 1 - 3 hours, and its complexity, depending on your electroplating skills, varies from easy to medium.
Carefully! Conduct the copper plating experiment in a well-ventilated area, and if you are young, ask an adult to help you.
What you will need:
- Copper - 2 small pieces (in the video I use copper wire, but in principle any copper object will do)
- A metal object that we will coat with copper (I took a washer)
- Glass container with lid
- Alligator Clip Wires x2
- Power supply (preferably regulated voltage)
- Vinegar (which will act as an acid)
- Polishing tool (if you want to polish the object after copper plating)
I recorded a video for this instruction. In it I went through all the steps of copper plating, which are described below.
Step 2: Dissolve the Copper
I'm not sure what "dissolution" is the right word, but it explains exactly what we will do in this step. Start by clamping the copper object with alligators. Then place the object into the container. Check that the crocodiles are not touching. Add vinegar to the container until most of the copper object is covered, but do not allow the crocodiles to come into contact with the vinegar (see photos).
Now it's time to connect the alligator wires to the power source. Do not plug in the power source yet. When both alligator wires are connected to the power supply, set the voltage to 12V. After this, you can connect the unit to the network.
(In the video you can see that the power supply plug is cut off to make it easier to connect crocodile clips).
You will notice that one part of the copper wire is covered in bubbles. Remember this part, it is negative.
I let the whole setup run for about 30 minutes, but you can try playing with the voltage and timing. For safety reasons I recommend you stay in the 0-12V range as everything works very well at these settings.
Step 3: Copper Plating
After 30 minutes I unplugged the power supply and disconnected the negative crocodile (on the side of the copper that was bubbling). Then I connected a metal object (in my case a washer) to this crocodile. Set the power supply voltage to the lowest possible (to start with). My unit's minimum is 3V. Connect the unit to the network again and watch how the metal object is coated with copper. I let my puck sit in the solution for about 30 minutes.
There is an opinion that after the procedure you need to dry the product for 1-2 days. I don't know if this is true or not, but I didn't notice any difference when removing excess material from the washer whether it sat for 2 days or 30 minutes.
To make the item shine, you just need to polish it (using the appropriate tools and materials), but do not overdo it, as there is only a thin layer of copper on the plated item.
Be sure to experiment with exposure time and voltage to achieve different results and try to achieve as uniform a copper coating as possible.
The main task of electroplating with copper at home, or copper plating in other words, is to prepare the metal surface for further processing. Such an operation may be subject to various metals, and non-metals, among which we should highlight:
- steel,
- brass,
- nickel and others.
Use of copper
Due to its numerous advantages, this metal has become widespread. Today, copper and its numerous alloys are widely used in industry. The metal is relevant for aircraft manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, 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 the best ways covering 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 pure form.
Galvanic copper plating at home
Preparation of the solution
Making a saturated solution copper sulfate, after which you will need to add 1/3 of this solution to hydrochloric acid. After preparing the copper sulfate solution, 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. Don't forget about safety precautions and use gloves and safety glasses. After you have added hydrochloric acid to the solution, it should be mixed thoroughly.
So, the solution is ready and you can start copper plating at home. To do 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 sanding it with sandpaper. This procedure allows you to not only clean the metal surface, but also degrease it. The same procedure will be relevant for parts made of brass or lead. After this, the coating must be thoroughly washed in a solution of soda ash. This will allow the material to be degreased more thoroughly.
Soda ash for degreasing material
Next, the surface must be immersed in a solution of copper sulfate and hydrochloric acid. Please note 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 a solution of soda ash and again immersed in the copper plating solution. These manipulations will lead to the fact that the layer of copper on the surface at home will be much thicker and much stronger, since it can be removed from the object only using sandpaper, and not a metal brush as before.
This method allows you to make a very high-quality copper coating that can only be removed with sandpaper. To improve the copper coating at home, the part should be immersed in the solution again. This method is distinguished by its simplicity and high efficiency including for lead products.
Copper plating procedure
Copper plating is usually called the procedure for 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 chrome plating, nickel plating, and silver plating.
The copper layer adheres perfectly to the steel and is able to smooth out various defects on the 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 has a bright pink matte or shiny color. Under the influence of atmospheric influences copper coverings can oxidize, become covered with a coating of oxides with various rainbow-colored spots.
Areas of use of copper plating
Generally, electroplating copper plating can be used:
- For decorative purposes. Given the enormous popularity of antique copper products these days. There are methods of artificial aging of steel products;
- In galvanoplasty. Widely used in jewelry, among souvenirs, for making bas-reliefs, etc.;
- In the technical industry. Copper plating of metal is very important in the electrical field. The low cost of copper plating compared to gold or silver coatings makes it possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing electrodes, electrical busbars, contacts and other elements from lead steel.
Copper plating occurs together with the application of other galvanic coatings
- If you need to apply a multi-layer protective and decorative coating to a layer of steel. In the vast majority of cases, copper is used here together with nickel and chromium. This allows you to improve adhesion to the base metal and obtain a shiny, high-strength coating;
- To avoid cementation of the area. Copper plating of lead will prevent carbonization from occurring on steel areas. To apply the copper layer, use only those areas where cutting will be carried out;
- When performing restoration and restoration work. This method Most commonly used for restoring chrome parts on cars and motorcycles. For these purposes, a fairly thick layer of copper is applied, about 100-250 microns or more, which makes it possible to cover all defects and damage to the metal for applying subsequent coatings;
Types of copper plating
- Using electrolyte immersion;
- Without immersion in electrolyte.
The first method involves treating a metal product with sandpaper, a brush and rinsing with water. After which degreasing in a hot soda solution with repeated rinsing. Next, two copper plates – anodes – are lowered into a glass container on copper wires. The part is suspended on a wire between the plates, after which the current is started.
The second method is relevant for products made of steel, aluminum and zinc.
Home copper plating
This procedure is relevant for various cases, since applying a layer of copper can be used for aluminum cutlery, souvenirs, candlesticks, etc. Non-metal products on which a layer of copper has been applied have a unique effect. These can be plant stems, leaves, etc. Due to the fact that the objects being coated do not have a conductive layer, a special electrically conductive varnish is used instead, which is applied to the surface.
The varnish contains a number of organic solvents, foaming agents and finely dispersed graphite powder, which creates electrical conductivity. The varnish is applied in a thin layer to a dry surface, and after drying in an hour, you can begin copper plating. If desired, copper can be given different color shades using special methods for this. The high quality and uniqueness of such products is deservedly equated to real jewelry.
Video: Copper plating at home