silver plating

[guschennells]

Hi Caswell, I am having success silver plating harmonicas! A few questions: What is the percipitant forming on the bottom of the solution? Is it best to leave it be or stir it up. Should the solution ever be filtered? What is the chemical composition of the solution? Is it dangerous to get a little on you fingers? Is sterling silver ok as an anode or is pure silver best? I seem to have best results plating in stages, polishing a little between dunks. Is this typical? Thanks again. Gus

[mcaswell]

What is the percipitant forming on the bottom of the solution

This is normal. If you heat the solution and stir, it should dissolve back in.

Should the solution ever be filtered?

It might need to be at some point, but only if the solution stops working or the results aren't as good as they were when the solution is new.

What is the chemical composition of the solution?

It's proprietary.

Is it dangerous to get a little on you fingers?

Not the silver solution, no.

Is sterling silver ok as an anode or is pure silver best?

Pure silver would be best. You can also use stainless steel, but this depletes the solution quickly.

I seem to have best results plating in stages, polishing a little between dunks. Is this typical?

Very typical, yes.