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The Process of Electroplating Zamak

Zamak is an alloy, which is a mixture of two or more metals. The metals comprising zamak are zinc, aluminum, magnesium and copper. This metal is primarily used for die casting tools or home fixtures. There are times when the silver coloring of the zamak may need to be changed via electroplating. Zamak must be plated differently from other metals. Knowing the process of electroplating zamak can ensure that it is plated correctly and efficiently.

Initial Preparation
- The zamak piece must be cleaned to ensure an even plating of the copper base. Mix 1 tsp. of white vinegar with 1 tsp. of dishwashing liquid and 1 cup of warm water in a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can fill the spray bottle with just club soda. It is important that the piece being plated does not come in contact with any muriatic acids; this substance can eat through the copper base and damage the zamak piece. Spray the solution onto the zamak piece being electroplated, and clean it with a nylon cloth.
Copper Plating Process
- Purchase a copper plating solution from your local hobby store or an online electroplating kit retailer. Also be sure to acquire a pair of gloves and goggles to prevent accidental eye or skin contact during the plating process. Pour enough of the copper solution to fully submerge the zamak piece into a beaker. The beaker should be large enough to accommodate the zamak piece and a penny. Connect the positively charged alligator clip to the penny and the negatively charged alligator clip to the zamak piece, and place them in the beaker. Be sure that the pieces and clips are not touching.
Initial Plating
- Plug the wall adapter into the nearest power outlet. Leave the copper penny and the zamak piece submerged in the solution until the zamak piece fully assumes the copper characteristic of the penny. The progress of this process can be monitored by occasionally removing the zamak piece from the beaker and reviewing it. Zamak is a zinc alloy. Consequently, a base plating of copper is necessary for the material to fully assume the physical characteristics of any other form of plating.
Final Plating
- Unplug the wall adapter. Remove the zamak piece and penny from the solution and dry the zamak piece with a cloth. Pour the copper solution down the drain and rinse the beaker thoroughly with water. Fill the beaker with the plating solution that corresponds with the new metal piece that will be plated onto the zamak piece. Attach the negatively charged alligator clip to the zamak piece and the positively charged alligator clip to the new metal piece. Plug in the wall adapter and plate until the zamak piece assumes the physical characteristics of the metal being plated onto it.

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