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
It turned green with the lemon and HCL.
Wow only thirty minutes and look at all the buildup!
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!!!!!
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!
A better picture.