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How to Transfer Coatings

Sometimes it may be necessary to transfer the coating of one metal onto another. This can be done to restore the luster of an antique metal piece, or to simply give a piece of metal a new finish. Electroplating is the process that allows this to be accomplished. During electroplating, the metal pieces are placed in a specially formulated solution and connected to an electrical power source. An electrical field is subsequently created, which allows the coating of one metal to be deposited onto the surface of the other.

Things You'll Need

Plating solution
Gloves
Goggles
Beaker
Wall mount power adapter with alligator clips

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase the type of plating solution that corresponds with the type of metal that will have its coating transferred onto the other metal. For example, if you are transferring a copper coat onto nickel, you need to buy a copper plating solution. Such solutions can be bought from local hardware stores, or online electroplating kit retailers.
- 2
  Put on gloves and goggles to prevent accidental contact between the solution and your eyes or skin.
- 3
  Pour enough plating solution into the beaker to fully submerge the metal receiving the coating. The beaker needs to be large enough to fit both metal pieces without either coming in contact with the other. If the pieces touch during the electroplating process, the coatings may not transfer evenly.
- 4
  Connect the positively charged alligator clip to the metal having its surface transferred and the negatively charged alligator clip to the metal being coated. Place both pieces into the beaker and verify the alligator clips do not touch each other to prevent an electrical shortage once the wall mount power adapter is plugged in.
- 5
  Plug the power adapter into the nearest electrical socket. Allow the plating process to continue until the coating has transferred evenly over the surface of the metal piece designated to receive the coating. This can be observed by looking through the beaker, or occasionally removing the piece from the beaker for visual inspection.

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