Nickel Metal
Penny
Nickel Plating Solution (Nickel Sulfate)
Power Source
Alligator Clips
Beaker
Ring Stand
Bunsen Burner
Stirring Rod
A pre-1982 penny works best to plate, as it is pure copper. Nickel doesn't plate at room temperature, so it will need to be heated, and agitated for best results. Heated to 60-65 degrees centigrade, it will take 6-12 volts (lower voltage the voltage that is used the more amperage that is needed). Attach the positive terminal of the power source to the nickel metal using the alligator clips. Attach the penny to the negative terminal with an alligator clip. Place the penny and nickel metal in the solution, making sure to keep the penny in constant motion. It will also take approximately 10 seconds while being agitated to completely plate. You can leave it in longer to get a thicker, more even plaiting. Be sure to keep the item being plated in constant motion to keep a uniform appearance.
Nickel plating proved more difficult than zinc or copper plating. Initially, I had the poles reversed because I thought the copper penny was being oxidized because it was bubbling. However I discovered that the item being plated will always be attached to the negative terminal. At first I tried to plate without heating the solution. It required a much higher voltage (24v) and much longer time (5 min). The first power source I used was a 9 volt battery. It drained much to fast because of the long time it required to plate without any heat. I then obtained a power source that ran of of house current. Still without any heat, I successfully plated a penny using 24 volts and letting it sit for about 5 minutes. While this method was ineffective, it made the best looking penny. Then I noticed the high voltage running through the solution made it hot, and it became more effective requiring less voltage and time. I did some research and discovered that the solution needed to be heated and the penny needed to be agitated for the plating to work effectively.
Does the voltage make a difference?
Does the temperature make a difference?
Does it matter what terminals metals are attached to?
Do you notice the solution change after it is used?
Does the metal being plated matter?
by: Tony Sholtis