Electroplating is a process used to reduce the positively charged ions of a desired material,

with the help of an electric current. The process also coats a conductive object with a thin
layer of the material, such as a metal.

Zinc electroplating is popular because of its relatively low cost, protective nature and
attractive appearance. The coating done through this process gives corrosion protection to
ferrous components and it can give colours like gold, black or olive drab finish, by post
treatment.

Gold Electroplating

The most popular type of do it yourself electroplating is gold plating. Although gold plating
is generally used for creating jewelry, it can also be used to gild a number of materials for
decorative purposes.

Picture frames and other keepsakes such as baby shoes, pacifiers and other items are
especially popular items to gild. Another great thing about gold electroplating is the fact that
you can fix worn out jewelry without needing to pay the high prices charged by professionals.

Copper Electroplating

The second most popular type of electroplating is copper plating. Copper electroplating is
especially useful for making pipes used in household plumbing. Iron pots can also be copper
plated to create beautiful, long-lasting cookware.

Copper electroplating is used to create electronic circuitry among other things. Copper is also
the only type of metal that can be electroplated onto zinc, making it a vital part of the
machining industry.

Chrome Electroplating

Another popular type of electroplating is chrome plating. Chrome electroplating is really

popular for car and motorcycle engine parts, as well as for vehicle accessories. The biggest
problem with chrome electroplating is that hexavalent chrome does both environmental
damage, and can be hazardous to your health.

Many manufacturers of these chrome accessories are now using a new material that looks
exactly like chrome electroplating, but has none of the properties of the damaging hexavalent
chrome, and lasts longer.