I suppose there is some way of gauging how thick a layer of plating you are applying? is it the length of time the piece is left in the solution?
This method does look suspiciously easy! I do know from experience that with (eg) gold plating, you have to carefully prepare the item by polishing (and sometimes laser welding). Is this not necessary with chrome plating? Or does nickel plating the item first have a similar effect?
You HAVE to polish first or all the imperfections in the case will show through the new layer of gold. Often the line between the (original) gold plating and the base metal will show through after the new layer has been put on. Even worse, during this preparation stage, holes will show up which need laser welding. So yes, it will usually be best to strip the old golf off first.
I’m sure all the “do not polish it” people are getting facial ticks reading this thread.
For me it would be more about making it wearable. I can't stand gold colored stuff, and I've passed on lots of cheap "gold" watches because I knew I'd never wear them. The idea of being able to plate them easily in nickel is pretty appealing.
Yeah- this thread (and primarily the examples shown by @MoclovFlop ) opened my eyes to the possibility. Now if I can remember that I am the path of least resistance when hooking up the electrodes....😲
Exactly, that's why laser welding was something that never crossed my mind. It's to fix bad plating or to change the look. Not doing top tier restoration work.
And it's pretty low voltage/amps. Which is good since everything is wet.... 😵💫
Yeah, I learned in my teen years working on cars- it’s not the volts that kill you, it’s the amps. Having a spark plug wire arc in your hand on a running engine will teach you about electricity quickly.
Ha! Yes, or anything with a capacitor. I used to walk around our rural neighborhood and touch electric fences for fun. All volts no amps.
Those were the days....
