1. Not using a beaker
Chemical beakers are designed to hold harsh chemicals and will not react with or contaminate plating solutions or the rinse water, where other containers can.
2. Using a karat gold anode
Colored gold plating solutions (14K, 18K, Pink etc.) require the use of an insoluble stainless steel anode. Using any other anode will contaminate the solution.
3. Setting the rectifier to the incorrect voltage. Too low can give incomplete plating coverage, and too high can result in spots or a dark finish. Use the voltage recommended by the plating solution manufacturer.
4. Not polishing to a mirror finish
Plating solutions only plate, they do not
polish. Plating will not hide flaws, only highlight them. Polish to a mirror
finish before plating.
5. Thinking a small beaker half full of solution will save money
Small baths are less efficient, so cutting corners here will cost you money.
6. Thinking a quart is a quart
All solutions are not created equal. Check the bottle for metal content to know how much metal it contains.
7. Using tap water when rinsing
The impurities in tap water can cause spotting and shorten the life of the plating solution. Use distilled water only.
8. Not changing the rinse water often enough
Monitor the color or pH of the rinse water and replace when necessary.
9. Steam cleaning prior to plating
Steam cleaning a piece before plating will contaminate the piece with the impurities from the steamer. So avoid steam cleaning.
10. Trying to electrostrip rhodium
Rhodium cannot be chemically stripped. Mechanically stripping, like buffing, is the only method of removing rhodium.
Common Mistakes
provided by Krohn Industries Inc
