Electrolyte Brightener: What It Is and What It Does
What is Brightener – Brighteners, such as V-Brite 100 and V-Brite 200 for copper, or V-Brite Z for zinc, play an important role in the electroplating process. These agents are added to electrolytes to improve the finish and quality of the applied metal. They provide a beautiful result by refining the surface structure of the metal, leading to a shinier and smoother surface.
How does a Brightener work?
When you add a brightener to your electrolyte, it interacts with the other chemicals in the solution. This helps regulate the growth of the metal during electroplating. For copper and zinc , this means that the metals get a more even layer. This can reduce any surface imperfections, resulting in a more attractive and smoother appearance. Some types of electrolyte do not use a brightening agent such as bronze.
Without a brightener, the finish may be less uniform. The surface may feel rougher and have less shine.
Making your own electrolyte
Verzinkshop sells ready-to-use electrolyte, but you can also make your own electrolyte. You can find the manual on the product pages of