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