The preparation of metal is very important and has a great effect on the result. Below you can see a photo of a copper object that has been nickel-plated. This image clearly shows how the finish of the copper affects the result of the electroplating.
In the photo you will find a description of the treatment that the copper piece has undergone. This ranges from coarsely sanded to finely polished, and shows how the preparation of the metal affects the final effect of electroplating.
Before you start sanding, it is important to clean the object thoroughly. Remove loose dirt and rust, and degrease the surface thoroughly. Only then can you start with the finishing.
Preparation of metal for electroplating
There are several ways to prepare metal, depending on the desired result:
- Sanding with sandpaper
- Sanding with a sanding belt
- Metal brush for a screw top
- Polish
- Scotch-Brite
- Sandblast
As you can see, the preparation of the metal has a significant impact on the final result. Despite the electroplating process being carried out with the same settings, the way you prepare the metal determines the final look. So make sure to carefully prepare your equipment to achieve the best result!
