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How to Electroplate Copper

Electroplating uses electrical current to induce plating, a process in which a thin layer of a particular metal coats an object. Through electrodeposition, ions of the metal anode (in this case, copper) are dissolved in an electrolyte solution and plated on the cathode (in this case, a nail). Electroplating is often used to make a material more durable or add thickness when manufacturing parts.

Things You'll Need

Copper sulfate
DC power cord (you will cut this, so make sure it is one you don't need anymore)
Alligator clips
Glass container
Long nail or other desired material to be plated
Copper sheet or wire
Plastic spoon

Instructions

- 1
  Cut off the end of the power cord and strip the insulation from the wires. Attach the alligator clips to the two separated wires.
- 2
  Dissolve a spoonful of copper sulfate in the glass container with distilled water. Add the piece of copper and the nail, with their ends sticking out of the solution.
- 3
  Clip the positive lead to the copper (anode) and the negative lead to the nail or other material (cathode).
- 4
  Plug in the power cord and wait. Signs that the process is working include bubbles on the nail and darkened, tarnished copper. It may take up to 30 minutes for the copper to fully plate the nail.

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