Electroplating is the process of coating a new layer of metal over an existing metal to give it a specific finish. It is an electrochemical process that uses electricity to break up a solution into its constituent positive and negative electrochemical components.
This process is known as electrolysis. Scientific jargon aside, let us looks at what happens in this process. The metal to be electroplated is designated as positive (cathode). It is immersed in a solution containing negative charges or anodes. This stirs in the reaction leading to the depositions of the desired metal on the product. The process of electroplating gives a new look and luster. Gold-plating, silver-plating is a result of electroplating.
When electricity passes through this setup, the anodes or the negatively charged metal particles attach themselves to the electroplated metal (cathode). After the process is complete, the metal rod acquires a new metal finish. This finishing could be of various types. In this article, our focus will be on antique brass finishing.
More About Electroplating
Electroplating works through a process called electrolysis. If a high voltage electric current is passed through a salt solution, it breaks up its constituent positive and negatively charged particles or ions. The negatively charged particles attach themselves to the positively charged metal rod, which is the object to be electroplated.
The kind of metal finish depends upon the chemical solution used and the voltage level. Professional electroplating is a difficult task that requires a lot of accuracies, training, and the complete scientific knowledge behind the process. One of the common use of electroplating is to provide antique brass finishing to various metals. Since antique brass is an elegant effect that people require for decoration purposes.
Uses Of Electroplating And Metal Finishing
To give metals a specific appearance/ sheen.
To renew old looking metals
To rejuvenate the properties of old metals
To give a new lease of life to metallic objects, parts, tool, and machinery
To make metals resistant to abrasion
To make metals resistant to wear and tear
To make metals resistant to corrosion
To give a longer life to metal parts so that they can be used more frequently and for longer without being replaced
To improve the appearance of the metal
Requirements for Electroplating
Electroplating gives a metal finish to other metals for the reasons mentioned above. For non-conducting materials like plastic, carbon paint is used to impart their conducting properties. This then makes them conducive to electroplating.
Types of Metal Finishing
There are a variety of mental effects that you can get by electroplating. Some of them are as follows:
Nickel finish
Copper finish
Gold finish
Silver finish
Brass finish
Antique brass finish
Chrome finish
Antique Metal Finishing
Antique metal finishing gives objects a unique, antique look for aesthetic purposes. An antique brass finish is applied to various objects to make them look like old, artistic objects. People who love to have antique products or want to make the décor a bit rustic opt for antique brass finish coated products. It sometimes happens that people want to mimic objects from a particular era, and it is then that they require professional electroplating services to mimic that effect.
Conclusion
There is a broad range of colors, effects, and coatings that professional electroplating services can offer you. Some examples include polished brass, bright brass, antique bronze et al. The customers generally must name the shade, and the professionals would create it for them.
You can now get your hinges, doorknobs, and plumbing electroplated with an antique brass finish. This finishing is subtle and gives an elegant touch to your décor.
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