Electrolytic Nickel Solution for Nickel Plating
The high-quality electrolytic nickel solution has been specifically developed for DIY nickel plating. It can be sold to private individuals without an end-use declaration.
Depending on the material of the workpiece and your method of nickel plating, you can achieve the following results:
- Reliable corrosion protection through layer combinations such as copper-nickel
- Chemically resistant protective layer against diluted acids, alkalis, air, and water
- Diffusion barrier for subsequent electroplating (e.g., preventing diffusion from a base copper layer into a top gold layer)
- Decorative coating with a high-gloss finish that also serves as wear protection
The nickel electrolyte is suitable for both bath electroplating and pen plating (brush plating). When nickel plating, the magnetic properties of the workpiece are retained, and the surface gains a shiny, silver-like appearance with a slight yellow tint (pure nickel).
Nickel Plating – Decorative or as a Protective Layer
If you want to coat a simply shaped workpiece or component with a protective layer, we recommend a combination of copper and nickel. This way, you achieve reliable corrosion protection that pure nickel plating would only achieve with a layer thickness of 25 to 50 µm. Only at these thicknesses does the coating become pore-free, as nickel electrolytes are always deposited with fine pores.
However, nickel plating not only protects against corrosion. The easily applied coating is highly resistant to diluted acids and alkalis and serves as effective wear protection.
If you plan multiple electroplating steps with different metal layers, the electrolytic nickel solution is ideal as a barrier layer. This prevents diffusion or color mixing of the layers. It does not matter whether you use the nickel electrolyte for bath electroplating or pen plating (brush plating).
For a decorative coating, we recommend a combination of bright nickel and chrome to achieve a smooth and shiny Surface.
Application Notes for Free-Nickel Electrolyte (Bright Nickel)
The Free-Nickel electrolyte is preferably processed at room temperature (15 to 60 °C). It is suitable for all common metals, semi-metals, and precious metals, except aluminum, chrome, and titanium.
If you plan to nickel plate stainless steel yourself, please use the nickel strike for pretreatment to increase adhesion.
Before nickel plating, you should thoroughly clean the workpiece. Remove rust completely and degrease the component, for example, with isopropanol. Always wear clean disposable gloves to prevent transferring skin oils to the workpiece.
The use of a nickel anode is highly recommended. This achieves a high range, as the nickel is constantly enriched.
Parameters (these may vary, please test):
- Bath electroplating: 2-5V (approx. 3V recommended at 10cm distance)
- Pen plating: 6-12V (approx. 8-9V recommended)
- Current density: 0.3-1.2A/dm² (up to 3A/dm² with bath movement)
- Operating temperature: 15-60°C
- pH value: approx. 4
- Deposition rate: approx. 0.3µm/min at 1A/dm² and 20°C
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Anodes: Nickel (alternatively aluminum or platinum; also stainless steel for pen-plating)
Marking of the mixture:
Free-Nickel
(contains nickel sulfate, nickel dichloride, nickel bis(sulfamidate), nickel sulfamate, nickel di(acetate), diammonium nickel bis(sulfate))
Signal word: Warning
H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
P102 Keep out of reach of Children.
P103 Read carefully and follow all instructions.
P261 Avoid breathing dust/vapours/spray.
P280 Wear protective gloves and eye/face protection.
P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P333+P313 If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P501 Dispose of contents/container according to regional/national regulations. Do not discard with household waste.
