The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Silver plating of copper chainmail

2005

I've been trying to silver plate some copper chain mail I made. Some of the rings are plating but others are just staying copper. I've cleaned the chain mail before and in between plates and have tried new solution and cleaned the anode. 

I am new to metalworking and plating so any suggestions would help!

Thanks in advance

Monica Betel
University of Illinois - Champaign, Illinois, USA

---

Hi, Monia.

Plating takes place in direct proportion to the current flowing to that area, and the current takes the path of least resistance. All I can offer without more detail from you is that you've got to get current to each link, and each link needs to be reasonably near the anode so current flows through the solution to it. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2005

Ted is absolutely correct. It's hard to plate a chain and distribute the current evenly to each link. I use a small wire to connect the links.

George Brackett III
- Saco, Maine, USA
2005

---

Plating not covered up in the links could be only due to oxide layer, or can be any lacquer in the recess, if so first clean them in sulfuric acid, activate in cyanide solution , and then chain is racked firmly on either sides, so that there won't be any breakage of current.

Panjala Mukesh
fashion jewelry mfgr.
Hyderabad, India
2005

I believe that the easiest way to accomplish your goal, a nice finish on your project, you'll have to make sure that the material is tautly pulled so that all the rings have solid contact. Or, an easier route may be to place the entire item in a plating barrel and run it that way. It would go a long way toward providing an even finish, also.

Gregg Matti
- Hampton, GA, USA
2007

---

Thanks, Gregg. Barrel plating does sound like a good idea.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007