An electroplating kit doesn’t have to start out with all the equipment for every single method of electroplating. It doesn’t have to be able to deposit all the possible metals. Your electroplating kit can start out simple and basic.
You can build on it when you’re ready. If you’re looking for a restoration electroplating kit, there are some pieces of equipment you won’t be able to do without, and others that you might never need.
Your first step in deciding what to look for is to decide what you’re going to be electroplating. Answering this question is important, because different projects and types of metal will require different equipment and supplies, which means different kits.
Briefly, a tank kit is fine for projects where you will be electroplating an entire piece, such as a piece of jewelry, flatware, a car emblem (that isn’t yet attached to your car), coins or other such objects.
A brush plating kit will work nicely for electroplating localized areas or items such as emblems that are attached to your car or motorcycle. Kits that include an electroplating pen are handy for fine detail work.
Once you’ve established how you will be using your electroplating kit, it’s time to find one that you like. A search through your local telephone directory or an online search will provide you with names, locations or websites of businesses that specialize in selling electroplating equipment and supplies.
Here’s where you want to focus: find a business that offers to let you buy already put together kits, and the option of building your own. A business that offers supplies such as electrolyte or metal solutions and different kinds of cleaners, activators and anodes, and more is also helpful.
If you can do one-stop shopping, you’ll be happier than if you have to search here and there for this or that. Some companies offer step-by-step tutorials on their website and in print. This can be especially helpful when you are just starting out in the world of electroplating.
Look for quality equipment and supplies, because these will make a big difference in how your projects turn out. One important feature you need on your rectifier is the ability to operate at different voltages.
This is necessary because different metals need to be process at different voltages. Also get a rectifier that will run either a tank electroplating project or a brush project. With your supplier, look for knowledge and willingness to answer your questions and give you advice as you’re learning.
Your electroplating kit will most likely start out with the basics – a rectifier, a brush, a tank, leads, anodes, copper wire and solution. Once you’ve learned how to do your basic projects, you will most likely be interested in learning how to use different plating materials and working with different base metals. This will require you to add to your kit. Be sure to look for quality in your equipment and supplies and helpfulness from your supplier.
