Electrolytes should not be mixed as they are chemically and electrochemically incompatible. In particular, alkaline and acidic electrolytes must not be combined – their different pH levels can lead to unwanted reactions, such as precipitation of metals or other substances. This renders the electrolyte unusable and can result in defective or uneven coatings.
Mixing different metal electrolytes is also not possible. For example, copper and zinc electrolytes cannot simply be combined to deposit brass. The metal ions behave differently in the solution, preventing the formation of a uniform alloy.
Additionally, the additives in electrolytes are precisely formulated for specific pH levels and electrolyte types. Mixing them disrupts their effectiveness, causing the electrolyte to lose its intended properties.