What is electroplating? from jiachuan's blog

Electroplating refers to the process of adding a surface layer of metal to another metal. It is often used to prevent corrosion and rust, and to extend the life of the metal beneath the plated metal. Of course, it is also used to make gold and silver plated jewelry and knickknacks, and provides a better finish to less expensive materials to enhance the product's visual appeal.

Learn how the electroplating process works

When we talk about electroplating two metals, one of them is positively charged. The other is negatively charged. Once the current starts to flow, the molecules of the positively charged metal move to the negatively charged metal. This means that the object to be electroplated must be able to conduct electric charge. This can be problematic if you need to plate non-conductive items such as plastic or wood. However, it can still be achieved if the substrate is rigorously cleaned and coated with a thin layer of an inexpensive conductive metal. Once the layer of conductive material is applied, the electroplating process can proceed normally.

Electroplating process

Electroplating involves using an electric current to form a thin layer of metal on top of another metal (usually a less expensive metal). Electroplating is often done to give cheaper metals a more luxurious finish and to add certain properties such as corrosion and rust protection. To electroplate metals, you need two different metals, an electrolyte solution, two electrodes, and a battery or other source of electrical current.

When the power is turned on, one metal is negatively charged and the other is positively charged. After a certain time, the positively charged metal molecules will slowly migrate to the negatively charged metal surface, forming a very thin layer.

A common example is electroplating brass with copper. In this case, brass and copper will be put into the appropriate electrolyte solution. For this case, you may need a solution containing copper sulfide. Electrodes will then be attached to each piece of metal as well as to the battery. Once the power is turned on, the copper molecules slowly attach to the brass, forming a thin copper coating on the brass surface.