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Electroplating science project problem

Hi, I am in 8th grade and I am doing a project on electroplating for a science project. I have tried using a vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] /salt solution to coat copper onto a steel tin but it just rubs off. Is this because the vinegar solution is too weak to dissolve the copper? My main question though is that I need a solution that will work and actually bond to the metal.

Thanks,

Chris Z. [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- SF, California
2003

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Chris, your problem is probably two-fold. First, how are you preparing the tin? You need to make sure it is clean and (preferably) roughened. Second, with an acetic acid ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] solution, you probably need to first dissolve some copper into the solution prior to plating and watch the temperature and current density.

James Totter, CEF
- Tallahassee, Florida
2003

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October 16, 2009

Hi, Chris. While James is correct, he may not have covered all of the possible problems. When you say "steel tin" are you sure exactly what you mean? If the sheet metal is galvanized, the copper will not adhere well. Try copper plating a bright dime or quarter with your solution and see what happens. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey