Do it Once, Do it Right: Surface Preparation for Plating

White Paper

When it comes to electro-plating, successful surface preparation is essential for quality results. Before starting the plating process, follow these six steps to ensure that you “Do it Once, Do it Right.”

  • Key Questions to Ask:  Determine the base metal, existing coatings, and required specifications. For rack or barrel plating, consider racking locations, load sizes, and potential masking needs.
  • Surface Cleaning & Preparation:  Choose appropriate cleaning methods—soak, electro-cleaning, or acid pickling—based on the metal and soil type. For aluminum, follow a specific activation process to accept plating effectively.

Proper preparation minimizes rework, ensuring a consistent and high-quality plated finish. Download our white paper, for an in-depth guide to achieving optimal plating results.