Brush vs. Tank plating amperage

[elgman]

I am going to be brush plating sections of decorative plates (already nickle plated) with Fast Gold.

1. I have read that tank plating requires approx 1 amp per 15 square inches. How many square inches per amp is required for brush plating?

2. My pieces will range from 9 square inches to 144 square inches. I plan on buying a 10 amp rectifier. Is this big enough, or should I go to the 25 amp machine?

3. How much coverage can I expect from the 4 oz Fast Gold solution?

I think that's it.

Thanks.

[lcaswell]

Brush plating needs voltage, not current. 4.5V for Fast Gold.

If you're brush plating, a 3 amp rectifier is all you need (because current is not important). Set the machine in Constant Voltage mode and brush away.

4oz of Fast Gold will cover approx 1 sq ft.

[elgman]

So, could I plate my pieces using Fast Gold and a standard Plug and Plate kit? Or is a rectifier recommended?

[ashcroft01]

elgman,

A Plug 'n Plate power supply will work just fine for brush plating your pieces.

A rectifier is recommended for doing any type of immersion plating or for fine tuning your application for different types of plating situations. This would be the most versatile route and present you with a more professional type of set-up.

This is a great starter kit and sounds a lot like what you may be looking for....

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/gldbrshsys.html

Best of luck,