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How to Chrome-Plate Lead

Coating a metal with another metal is a technique called electroplating. The process of plating lead with chrome results in toxic and hazardous materials. However, you can obtain a silver color on a piece of lead by using another metal such as zinc or nickel. Most of the materials needed for this project can be found in your home or purchased at a local hardware or grocery store.

Things You'll Need

  • Plastic container
  • Vinegar
  • Metal wire
  • Piece of zinc or nickel
  • Epsom salt
  • Table sugar
  • Piece of lead
  • Toothpaste
  • Toothbrush
  • Alligator clip
  • D-cell battery
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a small plastic container with enough vinegar to completely submerge the piece of lead.

    • 2

      Wrap one end of a metal wire around the piece of zinc or nickel. Place the zinc or nickel into the plastic container. Make sure the end of the metal wire sticks out beyond the container. Leave the zinc or nickel sit in the vinegar for at least 15 minutes.

    • 3

      Add 5 tbsp. of sugar and 3 1/2 tbsp. of Epsom salt to the vinegar. Allow the sugar and salt to dissolve in the vinegar. Stir the vinegar solution until the sugar and salt are dissolved.

    • 4

      Clean the surface of the lead with toothpaste using the toothbrush. The lead should appear shiny after it is cleaned.

    • 5

      Attach an alligator clip and a second metal wire to the piece of lead. Place the lead into the container.

    • 6

      Connect the end of the metal wire attached to the piece of zinc or nickel to the negative terminal of the D-cell battery. Connect the end of the wire attached to the piece of lead to the positive terminal of the battery.

    • 7

      Allow the electroplating process to continue for approximately 30 minutes. Disconnect the metal wires from the D-cell battery.

    • 8

      Remove the piece of metal from the alligator clip. Rinse the plated metal in water, and then clean it using the toothpaste.


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