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How to Make Steel Pipes

Electroplating is the transfer of one metal's surface onto the surface of another metal or electrically conductive object using electricity and a specially formulated liquid solution. This is usually done to restore metal that has been rusted or lost its luster. The process can also be used to save money by depositing the surface of an expensive metal, like steel, onto inexpensive metals or conductive objects that would cost more if they were originally composed of the expensive metal. Tools, parts and appliances, such as pipes, can easily be electroplated with the right equipment and instruction.

Things You'll Need

Steel plating solution
Copper conductive paint
Gloves
Goggles
Beaker
6.0 volt battery charger with alligator clips

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase steel plating solution from an online merchant of electroplating supplies or your local hobby shop. If the pipe is non-metallic, you also need to buy copper conductive paint.
- 2
  Put on the gloves and goggles prior to handling the plating solution to prevent accidental eye or skin contact.
- 3
  Pour enough plating solution into the beaker to fully submerge the pipe. The beaker should also be large enough to accommodate the pipe and the piece of steel without either object touching. Spray an even coat of copper conductive paint over the pipe if necessary.
- 4
  Attach the negative charged alligator clip to the pipe and the positive charged alligator clip to the steel. Put both objects in the plating solution.
- 5
  Check that the alligator clips are not touching. Plug the battery charger into the nearest power outlet.
- 6
  Allow the plating process to continue until the pipe assumes the physical appearance of the steel. This can be observed through the beaker or by occasionally removing the pipe from the solution for a visual examination.

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