The Many Different Methods of Plating

Plating has been around for hundreds of years, it is where metal is placed on a surface and fused together also called surface-covering. There are many different ways to do plating. One of the methods used is known as Sheffield plate. This method works by covering a solid surface with a sheet of metal, at which time they are fused together with pressure and heat.

Gold plating is the method that works by putting a thin layer of gold onto another material, which is usually silver or copper. Electronics are commonly used in gold plating, especially when using copper, because it helps with corrosion. Silver plating is usually used as a cheaper alternative to gold.

Electrolytic deposition of chromium is the method used when doing chrome plating. Nickel is the most common metal used when doing chrome plating. If steel or iron are being plated try putting a layer of copper, it helps the nickel to bond with the other materials. Oxidation can be stopped by using a coating of zinc.

Another method is when an ionic metal is supplied with electrons, this is the method known as electro plating. There are many different methods used in plating out there, but all the methods use a metal to cover another metal to make it appeal to the eyes a little better. There are even books available that give you step by step instructions on how to do plating. In these books you will find the chemicals you will need to do plating on your own.