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Silver Plating Additives

I'm presently working on a project that requires Silver plating for its electrical characteristics, but then I have to apply black paint for its appearance. My question: Is there a way to color silver plating without changing conductivity?

Edward Conklin
- Salisbury, Maryland
2000

You could very probably treat it with a poly sulfide. This will turn a thin layer of the surface to a reasonable black.This layer will be thin enough to have some, but little effect on conductivity. Check out the book list for the one on patinization.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2000

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2000

Hi Ed,

turning the Silver black greatly reduces the conductivity of the Silver due to the oxide/sulfide layer formed. If it's a filter you might be able to assemble it, seal it and then blacken it. The biggest problem would be accelerated corrosion in the field since Silver would be more prone to attack without the paint protection.

Jim Conner
Anoplex Software

Mabank, Texas USA