The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

Reverse current for Ni removal

We have racks with electrolytic plated nickel on the ends... Is there a solution we can use and to put the racks in and hit it with reverse current to remove the Nic....

Jason Combs
Plating - Chattanooga, TN USA
January 18, 2008

---

Hi Jason,

Depends on what the rack tips and coating are made of. You can strip a rack with stainless steel tips with a good plastisol coating in a solution of concentrated sulfuric acid and app 4% glycerin pretty effectively, reverse current, 10 volts. Unfortunately it will also "eat" your entire rack if you leave it in too long(speaking from experience). I would talk to your rack supplier to confirm, but I'd think a nitric acid dip would be safer on the racks. Nasty stuff, but it works as long as the coating is intact.
And in my own defense...who among us hasn't "eaten" a rack or two?

Trent Kaufman
electroplater - Galva, Illinois
January 21, 2008