Industrial Silver Plating is done by simply dissolving the subject that is to be plated to an electrolyte. Afterwards, the current is then passed on from the cathode of an electrolyte cell down towards the anode, which often comes in the form of a silver object. The positive silver ions would then flow towards the cathode from the silver cyanide wherein they will be neutralized and then be attached towards the object that is being plated, such as the silver metal. The anode bar will then lose the electrons in order to become silver ions until such time that it dissolves. On the other hand, the silver metals are then transferred towards the cathode. Such process will go on until such time as the desired texture will be achieved right on the cathode. And that is how the Silver Plating is generally done.
Introduction
As the famous saying goes, “all that glitters is not gold”, which indeed is really true, because silver is another metal that is known for its beautiful glitter. But have you ever wondered what makes the silver to shine beautifully? Have you ever thought how come the silver metal would sometimes appear very realistic and new despite of it being used for quite some time? Well the answer is simply because it has gone through Silver Plating. Although several other techniques and compositions are being used for this kind of plating today, not to mention the use of modern equipment, the rationale behind all these processes is still the same.
Definition
There are various techniques that are involved with Silver Plating and in most cases, it makes use of electroplating. The Silver Electro Plating is often applied when there is a need to deposit a layer of silver on a glass, porcelain, china and other types of metals, which comes in different thickness, giving them to have a lustrous glitter and a more beautiful finish.
Considerations
Even though Silver Electro Plating is among the most popular techniques applied when it comes to Silver Plating, the compositions as well as the techniques needed for this process will greatly vary, depending on the nature and the type of materials involved. Although silver might be able to blend well with the surface of various metals, it might not do the same thing for other metals. Thus, before you employ Silver Plating, make sure to familiarize the metals or items to be used and which of these cannot blend with silver. A highly skilled silversmith is certainly very familiar with this.
Requirements
In order for Silver Plating to be done, there are various items needed – old or worn out silver jewelry as well as an effective jewelry cleaning solution. Class crucible that contains silver particulates in the form of a positive ion, cathode and electrical terminal is also needed for the procedure. The process would require cleaning jewelry thoroughly so as to remove any dirt or grease on it and in order for the silver to be able to blend well with metal.
Electroless Nickel Plating 