Success! I added 1/2 cup lemon juice, and 1/2 cup 35% HCL (Hydrochloric acid). I think I needed to clean the object better because the copper is a little blotchy in some areas. But I scrubbed the heck out of it with a kitchen scrubber and polished it, the copper stayed on
![](http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww59/billybobobrain/coppersulfate034.jpg)
It turned green with the lemon and HCL.
![](http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww59/billybobobrain/coppersulfate035.jpg)
Wow only thirty minutes and look at all the buildup!
![](http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww59/billybobobrain/coppersulfate036.jpg)
One of the most important steps when dealing with acid is baking soda, about 3 tablespoons to one quart of water. Not only do you need to neutralize the acid on the part you just plated, but it can be a life saver if you get the acid solution on your skin. So make some up before you start!!!!!
![](http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww59/billybobobrain/coppersulfate037.jpg)
![](http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww59/billybobobrain/coppersulfate041.jpg)
The pictures are hard to see, I polished the copper and it caused a bad flashback, I'll get better pictures when I actually plate a part for the bike.
I know you have to do layers when plating. Is Copper the first layer? or the Second? I know you need Nickel in there somewhere when doing chrome. I thought it was Nickel first, then copper.
Rachet~
Copper is the first, then nickle, and finaly chrome. The nickle is what gives chrome it's color,chrome is just like a clear coat/hardener.
http://chemmovies.unl.edu/Chemistry/LABS/LABS15.html
I dunno if you've found this one yet or not. Looks like fun to try with car keys.
No but when I was accidentally plating things while making hydrogen, I plated a car key.
Edit, I just looked at the link, yes I did see that.
Awesome info, thanks for the step-by-step.
Your welcome, stay tuned for more!
![Grin ;D](http://forums.sohc4.net/Smileys/default/grin.gif)
![](http://i705.photobucket.com/albums/ww59/billybobobrain/coppersulfate044.jpg)
A better picture.