Copper Plating Kit Acid V-Brite 200

V-Brite 200 Copper Plating Kit – Copper plate parts yourself

All 2 liter kits are now delivered as a 3 liter kit!
From now on, you get 3 liters of electrolyte instead of 2 liters as standard – for the same price!
That means a bigger pool, more workspace, and more options for your projects.
(each 3 liter kit comes with a larger 3.8 liter bucket + 1 extra liter electrolyte)

This complete Copper Plating kit makes self-plating simple and quickly applies an even, shiny copper layer to various metal and conductive surfaces. The V-Brite 200 copper electrolyte delivers a thin, highly glossy finish that retains fine detail. Ideal for restorations, repairs and projects where a neat copper finish and good adhesion are desired. With this kit you can easily sell screws, bolts, nuts, brackets, hinges and other parts yourself. Also suitable for electroforming o.a. 3D-prints and organic material after treatment with conductive paint.

• 3 litres
• 6 litres
• 12 litres

V-Brite 100 vs V-Brite 200 Electrolyte

Copper-plating objects is simple, but choose the right electrolyte: V-Brite 100 builds thickness faster and has high filling capacity (levels small bumps). V-Brite 200 gives a thinner, highly glossy layer that preserves fine details to the maximum. The appearance in terms of gloss is similar; The choice depends on filling vs. detail preservation.

Included in this kit

• Bucket
• V-Brite 200 acid copper electrolyte
• V-Brite X copper brightener including dosing syringe
• 2 × copper anode (phosphorous)
• 2 × filter cloth
• Anode connection cable
• Circulation pump
• 2 meters of 0.5mm copper wire for hanging workpieces
• 2 × 20 cm copper wire 2 mm for hanging anodes
• Nylon rod with clamps for hanging workpieces
• Baking soda + bucket for neutralization
• Liquid filter
• Gloves
• Clear manual

Power supply can be ordered separately. Guideline value current density: 0.2 ampere per 10 cm².

Properties of the V-Brite 200 copper electrolyte

• Thin, very shiny copper layer while retaining fine details
• Works on copper, brass and nickel; Also suitable for conductive paint on non-conductive objects
• Uses phosphorus-containing copper anodes (0.03–0.05% P)
• Recommended current density: 0.2 amps per 10 cm²
• Works at room temperature; Target range 21–29 °C, optimal approx. 24 °C
• brightener: V-Brite X (periodic refill according to manual)
• Metal source: anodes (replace when they run out)
• Long shelf life with proper maintenance (filtering, topping up with brightener, replacing anodes in time)

Selling parts yourself – step-by-step plan

1. Prepare the copper bath as described in the manual and add the brightener according to the dosage.
2. Hang two copper anodes in the bath and connect them to the red plus of the power supply; Turn on agitation (pump or air).
3. Clean and activate the workpiece thoroughly; Rinse and check with a water breakage test if desired.
4. Place the nylon rod on the bucket and hang the workpiece with copper wire in the electrolyte.
5. Connect the black negative of the power supply to the workpiece and make sure that plus/minus and anodes/conductors do not touch each other.
6. Set the power supply to 0.2 amps per 10 cm² of workpiece area and start the process.
7. Periodically check the outlet; Typically, 10+ minutes is enough for a thin, shiny layer. Rinse, dry and finish if necessary.

Neutralizing objects in baking soda

After acid copper-plating, acid remains on the surface. This can cause rapid oxidation/rust and discoloration. Neutralize this immediately with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) dissolved in water: rinse the workpiece briefly, dip it in the baking soda solution and rinse clean again.

Electroforming & non-conductive objects

Apply a thin layer of conductive paint to the object, let it dry, and then place it in the copper bath. For example, you can copper o.a. 3D prints, plastic, wood, leaves or shells and make unique creations.