Collectionofformulasforthechemical,electrochemicalandheatcolouringofmetals,the

cyanidefreeimmersionplatingandelectroplating

byGoranBudija
september,2010.
Zagreb
Croatia

CONTENTS:
1.CHEMICALCOLOURINGOFCOPPER/COPPERALLOYS
2.CHEMICALCOLORINGOFIRON
3.CHEMICALCOLORINGOFSTAINLESSSTEEL
4.CHEMICALCOLORINGOFSILVER
5.CHEMICALCOLORINGOFZINC
6.CHEMICALCOLORINGOFALUMINIUM
7.CHEMICALCOLOURINGOFTIN,LEADANDNICKEL
8.LUSTRE(INTERFERENCE)COLOURS
9.ELECTROLYTICCOLOURING
10.HEATCOLOURING
10.DEGREASING
11.PICKLINGANDCHEMICALPOLISHING,MATTFINISHES
12.IMMERSIONPLATING
13.ELECTROPLATING
14.SHORTINSTRUCTIONSFORSUCCESSFULANDSAFECOLOURINGAND
PLATINGOFMETALS
15. LITERATURE
16. RECOMMENDEDWEBPAGES
17. DISCLAIMER

INGREDIENTS,gramson

GREENFORCOPPER/COPPERALLOYS,CuI

literofwater

1.

Coppersulphate
Coppernitrate
Copperacetate
Ammoniumcarbonate
Ammoniumchloride
Ammoniumsulphate
Ammonia25%,inml
Sodiumchloride
Potassiumpolysulphide
Potassiumbitartrate
Zincchloride
Aceticacid5%,inml
Nitricacid,inml

2.

3.

4.

5.

300 250
100
100

250
250

56
170

6. 7.
8.
3
100
20

9.

100 20

10.

370

90
1 400

750

56
X?

X?

X?

X?

56
250
1l

50
50

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Cu1

1. Somemethylatedspiritcanbeadded.Beforeatreatmentobjectscanbecoloured
blackorbrown.Betweentheapplicationswecanuse36%hydrogenperoxide
solution,everyapplicationcanbeappliedonlyifpreviouslayerisdry!
2. Forbronze!
3. Forbronze!
4. Therearevariantswithsmalleramountofammoniumchlorideorcarbonate.Before
treatmentobjectscanbecolouredblackorbrown.Insteadwateryoucanuse
vinegar.Ifwetakemorecarbonate,morebluish,ifmorechloridemoreyellowish
colour.
5. Yellowishgreen.Ifwewantmorebluishgreenwemustuseammoniumcarbonate
solution,ifmoreyellowishthensodiumchloride.
6. Foralargesurfacesandanapplicationbyspraying.
7. Darkgreenaddonly200rgwaternot1liter!
8. Yellowishgreen,nowater!
9. Canbeusedonobjectspretreatedwithblackorbrowncolour,betweenapplications
36%hydrogenperoxidesolutioncanbeused!
10. Bluishgreen,objectscanbepreviouslycolouredblackorbrown!

INGREDIENTS,ingramson GREENFORCOPPER/COPPERALLOYS/II,Cu2
literofwater

Coppernitrate
Coppersulphate
Copperacetate
Copperchloride
Zincchloride
Ammoniumcarbonate
Ammoniumchloride
Hydrogenperoxide30%
Sodiumchloride
Potassiumchloride
Potassiumpolysulphide
Aceticacidconc.,ml.
Aceticacid5%
Potassiumbitartrate
Potassiumoxalate
Ironacetate
Glycerine
Sodiumoxalate

11.

12. 13.

14.

120

10

80

15. 16. 17.

80

18. 19. 20.

X
70

200

X
9

60

20

220

10

80

45

50

60

60
75

15

36
36

100
50
120

1L

18
1l

80

10
4
50
9
15

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONSCu2
11. Afterapplicationleaveittodry.
12. Yellowishgreen,nowater!
13. Forbrass!
14. Forbrass!
15. Lightgreenonacopper.Canbeusedonobjectpreviouslycolouredblackorbrown!
16. Bluishgreenoncopper.Canbeusedonobjectpreviouslycolouredblackorbrown!
17. Greyishgreenonbronze,1000cm3water,120cm3acid!
18. Forbronze!
19. Forcopper,brushitonobject!
20. Greenoncopper/copperalloys.threestepprocessfirstweuseconcentratedcopper
chloride/coppernitratesolution(15minutes,90Ctemp.),thenrinseitwellandtreatit
withsodiumhydroxidesolution(bluegreen,ifweuseonlynitrateazureblue),rinse
again,andtreatwithironIIsulphatesolution(orsodiumoxalateorsulphite)colour
mustthenbeyellowishgreen.Finallywecancoatitwithverydiluted
waterglass.AccordingtoUSApatentUSPT1,428,170!

INGREDIENTS,gramsonliterof BLACKFORCOPPER/COPPERALLOYS,Cu3
water

Coppernitrate
Silvernitrate
Potassiumpolysulphide
Ammoniumchloride
Basiccoppercarbonate
Ammonia25%
Sodiumhydroxide
Potassiumpersulphate
IronIIIchloride
IronIIsulphate
Sodiumthioantimonate
Potassiumpermanganate
Coppersulphate
Potassiumferrocyanide
Sodiumthiosulphate
Ironnitrate
Ammoniumsulphate

1.
120
0,5

2.

3.

10
20

10

4.

5.

6. 7.

8.

9. 10.

200
1l
50
10

40

500
5
10
5
50

15
120

50
50
12
30

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Cu3
1.Dissolvecoppernitratein40mllofwater(hot),thenaddsilvernitratesolution(hot
water,10mll).Wecanaddsomemethylatedspirittoo.Brushorsprayitonawarmobject
andletitdryatwarmplace.Thenwemustheattheobjectuntilitsgreencolourblackens.
Afterthatwecanbrushitandifneededrepeatthetreatment.Waxorlacquer,asyouwish!
2.i3.Diferrentvariantsofaliverofsulphurtreatment.Wecantake2gramspotassium
polysulphide/2gramskitchensaltor25gramspolysulphide/3gramsammonia.Thebrass
mustbeimmersioncopperedpreviously.Useonlyfreshsolution!
4.Blackonbrass,immerseobjectsuntilthecolourissatisfactory.Donotmixsolutionwith
acids!Deadlydangerous!
5.Mattblack,immerseanobjectinbolingsolution,approximately20minutes.
6.Blackonacopper,tombacortinbronze.Forabrassandaluminiumbronzetake100
gramshydroxide.Inbolingsolutionwemustaddpersulphateandthenimmerse
objects.Oxygenbubblesformsduringprocessandthatissignoftheusabilityof
solution,whenthisprocesendsaddnewportionofpersulphate(10grams).Copper
blackensfor5minutes,brassneed10minutes.
7.Bluishblackonbrass.Useitinwellwentedroom.Colourformsin14minutes.
8.Immerseobjectsinboilingsolution.
9.Darkgrey.Immerseobjectsinhotsolution,approximately30minutes.
10.Forcopperanditsalloys.Immerseanobjectinsolutionheatedto6070C
temperature,approximatelly20minutes.

INGREDIENTS,gramson BROWN,YELLOWANDREDFORCOPPER/COPPERALLOYS:Cu
literofwater

Coppersulphate
Potassiumpermanganate
Sodiumchlorate
Ammoniumnitrate
Coppernitrate
Basiccopperacetate
Potassiumaluminium
sulphate
IronIIsulphate
Copperoxychloride
Ammoniumchloride
Sodiumthiosulphate
Ironnitrate
Milksugar
Sodiumhydroxide
Aceticacidconc.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
50
100 1,5 120 20 125
4
5
100 50
100
10
6
20
20
125
17
13
29
29
4
4
110

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Cu4
1.Brownonacopper/copperalloys.Heatthesolutionto90C,immerseobjects250
minutes.Itisbettertouseseveralshortimmersions.Canbeusedatroomtemperature
too,butthensolutionworksslowly.
2.i3.Olivecolour/goldentintedbrownoncopperandbronze,yellowishbrowntoorange
redonbrass.Immreseobjectsinsolutionhetaedto90C.Canbeusedatroom
temperature,butthenworksslowly.
4.Redongoldenyellowtombac.60minutes,boilingsolution.
5.Forcopper/copperalloys.A5minutesimmersioninboilingsolutionbrownorreddish
brownoncopper,yellowishbrownonbrass,yellowishredontinbronze.Beforeuseitmust
stayfor3days,atleast.
6. Forcopperandbrass.Immerseobjectsinabolilingsolution.The510minutes
immersioncoloursbrasschocolatebrown,coppergreenishred.Variantwith62,5
gmcoppersulphate+10,5gmcopperacetateand25gmpotasiumaluminium
sulphate+fewdropsofaceticacidcolourscoinagebronzered.Variantwith60gm
coppersulphateand20gmpotassiumaluminiumsulphatecolourscopper,tin
bronzeandtombacvioletred,brassyellowgreen.Verydilutedsolution6,25gm
coppersulphateand1,25gmcopperacetatecolourscopperred.
7.Theboilingsolutioncolourscoppervioletbrown,brassyellowbrown.Ifweadd530
gmaceticacidthecolourwillbemorereddishbrowntovioletred.
8.Redoncoinagebronze.
9.Goldenyellowonbrass.Dissolvesugarandhydroxidein1literofwater,boil15
minutes,thenaddsulphatedissolvedinasmallamountofwater.Usehotsolution(80C).
10.Brown,dissolveoxychlorideinacid,heatituntilcrystalsofcopperacetateforms,then
diluteto4,3literandfilter.Immerseanobjectinboilingsolution.

Ingredients,gramsonliterof CHEMICALCOLOURINGOFIRON:Fe1
water

Ethylalcohol
Nitrousether
Nitricacid
IronIIIchloride
Antimony(III)chloride
Ironsulphate
Coppersulphate
Sodiumhydroxide
Sodiumnitrate
Oliveoil
Tannicacid
Zincchloride
Ammonia25%
Copperchloride
Tartaricacid

1. 2. 3.
90 50

4. 5. 6. 7.

8. 9.
30
15
19
10 15
30
10

5
35 15
3
30
12

10.
30
30
12

60 15
600
25
9 2
2
3
60
18
X

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Fe1
1.and2.Swissblack.Objectsmustbeverysparinglycoveredwiththesolution.Drythemat
100Ctemperature30minutes,orsixhoursat18C.Reddishbrowncoatingmustbewithout
patchesandbumps.Thenwemustimmerseobjectsinabolingwaterfor30minutes,ifwe
wantthebestresults30minutesinahotsteamand30minutesinaboilingwater.Thequality
mustbetestedwithsteelwirescratchbrush.Colourmustbeblack.Repeatcompleteprocess
atleast3times.Finishwithimmersioninahotlinseedoil.
3.Blackorbluishblack.Immerseobjectsinabolingsolutionuntilcolouris
satisfactory,approximately10minutes.Whenfinishedrinsewell,dryandimmerseinahot
linseedoil.Protectiveclothing,glovesandgogglesmustbeused.Modifiedprocessfirst
immerseobjectsinthenextsolution14gmoxalicacidand1,2gmphosphoricacid,with
additionof6gmmnitrobenzenesulphonateand0,4gmpotassiumsodiumtartarate,dissolved
in1litw60secondoruntiltheobjectisgreycoloured.Afterthatwecanimmersethemin
thesolutionmadeof100gmNaOH,35gmsodiumnitrate,5gmsodiumnitrite,5gmsodium
thiosulphate,5gmsodiummolybdateand0,2gmtinchloride,1litwater.AccordingtoUSPT
6,889,769!
4.Browncolour.Heatoilinwaterbath,addantimonyIIIchloride,mixcarefullyandapply
withacottonwoolorpieceofcloth.After24hoursoilandpolishwithpieceofcloth.Repeatif
needs.Ifwetakeonly1gmantimonyIIIchloridecolourwillbegreeenishbrown.
5.Brown.Solutionmustbeappliedonaheatedobject.Whencolourissatisfactory,rinse
well,dry,brushwithfinesteelwirebrushandthenoilit..
6.Darkbrown.Mixitwith20cm3ofwater.Whendryrepeatifneeds,atendofthe
treatmentrinsewell,dryandoil.
7.Reddishbrown.Insteadwaterwecanuseethylalcohol.Everytimecoatingmustdry
well.Finishwithoilrubbing.
8.Black.Mustbeacidifiedwithtartaricacid,Apieceofclothmustbemoistenedwith
solutionandrubbedonobject,Finallyrinsewell.
9. Fordamascenedobjects.Pickleobjectsinadilutednitricacid.Rinsewellandrubb
objectwithsolution.Drybyindirectheat,polishwithafineststeelwool,repeatthe
treatment2timeseveryday/8days.Finallypolishitandapplywax.30partsiron
chloride=30partssolution,only75partswater!

10.Measuresasinpreviousprocess,1litofwater.Treatmentas1.and2.

INGREDIENTS,gramsonliter CHEMICALCOLOURINGOFIRON:Fe2
ofwater

11. 12.

Seleniousacid
Sodiumnitrate
Tartaricacid
Potassiumpermanganate
Ironnitrate
Zincpowder
Phosphoricacid
Flowersofsulphur
Lard
Manganesedioxide
Linseedoil
Silveracetate
Sodiumthiosulphate
Coppernitrate
Manganesenitrate
Bariumnitrate
Kalcijevnitrate
Potassiumchlorate
Leadnitrate
Oiloflavender
Coppersulphate
Nitricacid

13. 14. 15. 16.

17.
45

18. 19. 12.

75

2
12
5

13

18
57

2,5

1
20
5
X?
1
35
50
50
100
20
5
10

X
100
50

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Fe2
11.Black.Mixflowersofsulphurandlard,rubbitonobjectverysparingly.Heatindirectly
to200400Ctemperature.Hotairguncanbeusedtoo.Linseedoilorfatcanbeused
insteadlard.Youcanalsouseoilonly...
12.Black.Dissolvezincinphosphoricacid,thenmix65partsofthatsolutionand10000
partsofwater.30180minutesimmersion.Rinsewell,dry,rubbwithoilyclothorlacquer..
13.Blueonironandsteel.Immerseobjectsinhotsolution(70C).
14.Green.Take1partofsilveracetateand20partsofoiloflavender,mixwell,rubbonthe
objectandthenheatthatobjectto150C.
15.Blue.Immerseobjectsinaheatedsolution(50C).Whencolourisdeveloped,stop
processandrinsewell.Ifwetake75gmmanganesenitrate,colourwillbemore
intensive.
16.Black.Itmustberubbedonobject.Strongersolutioncanbeusedtoo(20/20).
17.Brilliantblack.Immerseobjectsinthesolutionuntilcolourisdeveloped.Ifwetake
moreseleniousacid,colourwillbebluishblack.
18.Forironandsteel.Thehtemperatureofsolution9498C.Immerseobjectsin
solutionfor4060minutes.
19.Forcarbonsteel.Immerseobjectsinsolution,whencolourisdevelopedrinsewell.
20.Bluishblack.Immerseobjectsintheboilingsolution.

INGREDIENTS,gramson CHEMICALCOLOURINGOFSTAINLESSSTEEL:
Fe3
literofwater

21.

Sulphuricacid
Ammoniummetavanadate
Sodiumpolysulphide
Potassiumpermanganate
Sodiumsulphate
Sodiumhydroxide
Phosphoricacid
Oxalicacid
Sodiumthiosulphate
Potassiumdichromate
Nitricacid
Leadacetate
Linseedoil

22.

30
20
10
800

23.

24.

50

50
10

25.

26.

27. 28.

29. 30.

50

25

1L

125
550
100

200

248
13
14
76
X

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Fe3

21.Black.Immerseobjectsintheboilingsolutionfor1015minutes.Rinsewell,dry,oilor
wax.
22.Differentcolours,dependsonhowlongweimmerseobjectsinboilingsolution20
minutesgoldenbronze,60minutesindigoblue,120minutesturquise,180minutesgreen.
23.Black.Only2549partsofwater!Immerseobjectsinboilingsolution.Accordingto
USApatentUSPT2,219,554
24.Black,brownorgolden.Only.40partswater!Immerseobjectsinboilingsolution.
AccordingtoUSApatentUSPT2,283,171
25.Black.Immerseobjectsinthehotsolution,thenrinseandimmersein1%sodium
sulphidesolution.
26.Black.Acidinmll!Immerseobjectsinlukewarmsolutionuntilcolourisdeveloped.
27.Black.Measuresinvolumeparts,add20partswater.Immerseobjectsintheboiling
solution(90100C)for1545minutes.
28.Darkbluetoblack.Dissolveeverycomponetinoneliterofthewaterandthenmix
thembeforeuse.Solutionmustbehot(60C).
29.Black,accordingtoNaylor.Specificdensityofacid1,55gm/cm3.Temperature1825
C.Duration510minutes..
30.Browntoblack.Oilobjectsverysparingly,thenheatthemto200400
C(indirectly).Repeatifneeds.

INGREDIENTS,gramsonliterCHEMICALCOLOURINGOFSILVER:Ag
ofwater

Potassiumpolysulphide
Sodiumnitrate
Coppersulphate
Ammonia25%
IronIIIchloride
Sodiumhydroxide
Graphite
Hematite
Iodine
Hydrohloricacid
Ammoniumchloride
Vinegar
Sodiumchloride
Sulphuricacid
Potassiumhydrogentartarate
Coppernitrate
Copperacetate
Turpentine

1.
10

2.

3.

4.

5.

10
20
20

6.

7.

10

30

8.

9.

10.

950

200
20
6
1
1
3

300
5
100
15

16
100
12
20
200
200

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Ag

1.Darkgrey,bluish.Immerseobjectsinthesolution,roomtemperture.Takenotmorethan
50gmsodiumorpotassiumpolysulphide.Hotsolutioncanbeusedtoo,thencolour
developmentisfaster.
2.Darkgreytoblack.Wemustmake2solutions,everyonein1literofwater.Solution1.
ironchloride,solution2.sodiumhydroxide.Immerseobjectsinsolution1.for5
seconds,thenrinsewellandimmerseinsolution2.(itmustbehangedonaluminiumor
zincwire).Thenrubbitwithfinepumiceorchalkandwax.
3.Brown.Immerseobjectsinthesolution,whentheyarecolouredrinsewell,dryandwax.
4.Patinaonsilver.Mixhematite,graphiteandturpentine.Paintthatmixtureon
objects,whentheyaredryrinsewellandrubitwithclothmoistenedwithalcohol.
5.Greenoxide.Threepartsacidandonepartiodinemustbemixedtogether,then
immerseobjectsinthesolutionandwhencolourisdevelopedrinsewellanddry.After
sometimeitblackens.
6.Brown.Immerseobjectsuntilcolourisdeveloped.
7.Grey.Only1dlwater!Immerseobjectsinthesolutionuntilcolourissatisfactory.
8.Patinaonsilver.Slowlyaddacidtoturpentineandthenaddhydrochloricacid.Paint
objectswiththesolution,aftereveryapplicationrinsewell!
9.Greenongreybackground.Rubbobjectwiththeclothmoistenedwithsolution,twice
everydayfor5days,thenitmustbedriedfornext5days.
10.Darkbrown.Takeaslittlewateraspossible,resultmustbethethickpaste!Rubbiton
object,after4hoursrinsewellanddry..

INGREDIENTS,gramson

CHEMICALCOLOURINGOFZINC:Zn

literofwater

Coppersulphate
Potassiumchlorate
Ammoniumchloride
Copperchloride
Hydrochloricacid(50%)
Nickelsulphate
Sodiumhyposulphite
Sulphuricacid(60%?)
Chromiumalaune
Ammonia25%
Potassiumpermanganate
Ammoniummolibdate
sodiumacetate
Sodiumhydroxide
IronIIIchloride
Potassiumbitartarate

1.
125
60

2.
35

3. 4.
12 50

5. 6.

25

50 60
50
50
60

7.

8. 9.

80
30

10.

15
25

50
15
20
5
150
200

35

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Zn
1.Black.Ingredientsmustbedissolvedinhotwater,thenfilteranduse.Immerseobjects
andtakethemoutimmidiatelly.Colourdevelopesaftercontactwithair.Repeatif
needs,rinsewellanddry.
2.Zinclustrecolours.Immerseobjectsincoldsolution,whencolourissatisfactoryrinse
wellanddry.Waxorlacquer.
3.Black.Immerseobjectsinheatedsolution(90C).
4.Brown.50cm3ammonia.Objectsmustbepaintedwiththesolutionandthenscratch
brushedwithfinebrasswirebrush.
5.Black.Paintitonobjects.
6.Blue.Immerseobjectsinthesolution.Ifwetakenickelsulphateinsteadnickel
ammoniumsulphatecolourwillbevioletblue.
7.Green.Dissolvehypointhewater,whenthesolutionisclearedaddacid,resultwillbe
milkyfluid,afterthatfilteritanditisreadyforuse.Filteredsolutionmustbeclear!
Immerseobjectsintheboilingsolution.
8.Black.Insteadacetatewecanusesodiumthiosulphate.Immerseobjectsinthesolution.
9.Greyishblack.Immerseobjectsinthesolution(approximatelly20minutes).
10.Greenishbrown.Dissolveingredientsin0,5literwater.Objectsmustbepaintedwith
solution.Whenthecolourissatisfactory,rinsewell.Longerimmersionwillproduce
almostblack.

INGREDIENTS,gramsonliter DIRECTCHEMICALCOLOURINGOFALUMINIUM:
Al1
ofwater

Potassiumpermanganate
Coppernitrate
Ammoniummolybdate
Sodiumthiosulphate
Nitricacid38Be
Sodiumchromate
Sodiumcarbonatecalc.
Potassiumpolysulphide
Potassiumbichromate
Vanadiumsulphate
Alizarine
Antimony(III)chloride
Manganeseoxide
Hydrochloricacid
Methylatedspirit
Potassiumhydroxide
Eggwhite
Potassiumferoyanide
IronIIIchloride
Platinumchloride

1.
10
25

2.

3. 4. 5.
20

6.

7. 8.

9. 10.

10
5
4
10
4
25
0,3

25
1

1
100
50
200
1L
4
X
5
5
10

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Al1

1.Browntoblack(accordingtoKrause).Temperatureofthesolution80100C.Immerse
objects5minuteslightbrown,15min.darkbrown,30min.black.
2.Black.Temperatureofthesolution100C.Immerseobjectsinthesolution.
3.Blue.Immerseobjectsuntilcolourisdeveloped.
4.Goldenyellow.Ifweadd5gmofmanganesesulphatebrasscolour.Useofcopper
sulphateinsteadwillproducebronzecolour.
5.Red.Objectsmustbeimmersedatleast30minutes,temperatureofthesolution8090C.
6.Black.Objectsmustbeprevioslypickledin80%sulphuricacid.Thenrinsewelland
immerseinthesolution.Rinseinahotwater,dry,lacquer.
7.Black.Platinumchloridemustbedissolvedin100mllwateroralcohol.Expensive!
8.Grey.Mixingredientswith1015gmwater.Paintitonobjectsandafter20
minutes(3040C)rinsewellanddry.
9.Darkbrowntoblack.Paintitonobjectsandthenheatitto350400C
(indirectly).Repeatitifneeds.Linseedoilcanbeusedtoo.
10.Browntoblack.Sameprocessas5.

INGREDIENTS,gramsonliter COLOURINGOFOXIDIZEDALUMINIUM:Al2
ofwater

Cobaltacetate
Potassiumpermanganate
Leadnitrate
Potassiumchromate
Coppersulphate
Ammonium
Iron(III)sulphate
Potassiumferrocyanide
Leadacetate
Cobaltacetate
Sodiumpolysulphide
Sodiumthiosulphate
Cadmiumacetate
Silvernitrate
Iron(III)ammoniumoxalate

1.
20
20

2.

3.

4.

5. 6. 7.

8.

9.

10.

10
50
50

5
25
1

X
X
50
25

X
X
40
15
10
X
X
X

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Al2

Beforecolouringaluminiummustbeoxidizedchemicallyor
electrochemically(anodized).Coloursaredevelopedbychemicalreaction.
Chemicaloxidation:25%waterlesssodiumcarbonateand0,52,5%sodium
chromate.Ingredientsmustbedissolvedin1literofwater(addsecondonlyifthefirstis
dissolved).Degreasedobjectsmustbeimmersedinaboilingsolution,35
minutes.Becausechromatesarecancerogenecompoundswecanusenextalternative
process5gmpotassiumpermanganate,10gmsodiumhydroxide,1literofwater,90100C,
45minutes.Afterthatsteprinseobjectswellandimmidiatellycolourthem!
Anodicoxidation:Solutionof230gmsulphuricacid/1lit.water,atleast12V,current
density1A/dm2,cathode=leadplate,anode=object.Anobjectconnectedtothepositive
poleoftransformermustbeimmersedinthesolution,inwhichleadplateconnectedto
negativepolemustbepreviouslyimmersed,atleast1015minutes.Thenrinsewelland
colourimmidiatelly.Accordingtoliteraturecoloursforacottonwollcanbeusedtoo.Finish
withboilinginwaterfor30minutes,aftercolouring!!!.
1.Bronzecolour.Immerseinacetate(upto50gm)solution,rinsewellandimmerseinthe
permangatesolution(upto50gm),rinseagain.3550C.
2.Yellow.Immerseinnitrate(upto100gm),rinsewellandimmerseinthechromate
solution(upto100g),finallyrinseagain.
3.Green.Immerseinthesulphatesolution,rinseandimmerseinthesulphidesolution,rinse
again.4.Blue.Immerseinsulphate,rinse,immerseinpotassiumferrocyanide,rinse
again(50C).
5.Reddishbrown.Immerseinsulphate,rinseandimmerseinferrocyanidesolution,rinse
again.
6.Darkbrown.Immerseinanacetatesolution,rinseandimmerseinsulphide,rinseagain.
7.Black.Immerseinanacetatesolution(upto100gm),rinsewell,immerseinsulphide(up
to25gm),rinseagain.
8.Goldenyellow.Immerseinthethiosulphate(upto50gm),rinse,immerseina
permanganat(upto50gm),rinseagain.
9.Yellow.Immerseinacetate,rinsewell,immerseinsulphide,rinseagain.
10. Orange.Immerseinchromate,rinsewell,immerseinnitrate(upto10gm),rinseagain.

INGREDIENTS,gramson

COLOURINGOFTIN,LEADANDNICKEL

literofwater

Bismuthnitrate
Nitricacid
Tartaricacid
Ammoniumchloride
Molybdenacid
IronIIIchloride
Copperacetate
Vinegar
Coppersulphate
Hydrochloricacid
Potassiumbichromate
Potassiumpermanganate
Aceticacid
Potassiumrhodanide
Sulphuricacid,ccm
Hydrogenperoxide30%,ccm
Chromicacid
Coppernitrate
Potassiumhydrogentartarate

1.
5
50
80

2.

3.

30
7,5

4.

5.

32

6.

7. 8.

9.
3
100

200

10.

100
12
20
20

X
40

7,5
5
31
0,5
5
25
6,25
62
X

10

500

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:tin,lead,nickel
1.Blackontin.Nitricacidinccm,tartaricingrams.Immerseobjectsinheatedsolution(70
C).Whencolourisdevelopedrinsewell,dryandwax.
2.Blackontin.Immerseobjectsinthehotsolution.
3.Greyishblackontin.Immerseobjectsinthesolution.
4.Bronzebrownontin.Dissolveingredientsin0,5litwateracidifiedwithnitricor
hydrochloricacid.
5.Greenpatinaonlead.Atemperatureofthesolution3540C.Coppernitrate62,5gm!
6.Brownonlead.Atemperatureofthesolution7080C/15minutes
7.Bronzecolourontin.Mixdilutedsolutionofcoppersulphateandcreamoftartar,Rubb
itonanobject.
8.Blackonnickel.Immerseobjectsinthecoldsolution(15C).Useonlyfreshsolution!
9.Steelgreyontin.Nitricacidinccm,hydrochloricingrams.
10.Blackonlead.Acidinmll!

INGREDIENTS,gramsonliter LUSTRE(INTERFERENCE)COLOURS
ofwater

Sodiumthiosulphate
Leadacetate
Antimony(III)sulphide
Coppersulphate
Nickelsulphate
Potassiumpermanganate
Potassiumhydrogentartarate
Potassiumchloride
Copperacetate
Sodiumhydroxide
Basiccoppercarbonate
Ammoniumchloride
Citricacid
Potassiumhydroxide
Coppertartarate
Tartaricacid

1.
50

2.
240
25

74

25

3.

4.
20

25
25
7

29

30

5.

6. 7.
8.
280

9.

10.

36

30

60
10

30

12
25
100
200

83

150

60
30
180
62
30

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Lustre(interference)colours

1.Forbrass.Pinkblueblack(oneafteranother).Immerseobjectsinthehotsolution.
2.Forcopper/copperalloys,ironand
steel(blue,black,brown),silver,nickel,gold,platinum.Coloursequenceonbrass:golden
yellowcoppervioletdarkbluelightbluechromiumlikenickellikereddishgrey.
Temperature2530C.
3.Forbrass.Immerseobjectsinthesolutionfor30120seconds.Rinseanddry.
4.Forbrass.Pinkblueblack.Hotsolution.
5.Forbrass.Goldenyelloworangecarminered.Donotlacquer!
6.Forzinc.Yellowbrownpurplevioletindigoblue.
7.Forbrass.As2.Thesolutionmuststayfor4days,beforeuse..
8.Forzinc.At10Ctemp.:2minutesviolet3minutesblue4,5minutesgreen6,5minutes
yellow8,5minutespurplered.Donotlacquer!
9.Forzinc.Rainbowcolours.Usecoldsolution.Dissolvesulphate,thenaddacidandaslast
hydroxide.
10.Forbrass.Rainbowcolours.Hotsolution.

INGREDIENTS,gramson

ELECTROLYTICCOLOURING/I

literofwater

Sodiumbicarbonate
Coppersulphate
Potassiumbichromate
Ammoniumchloride
Sulphuricacid
Potassiumsodiumtartarate
Potassiumhydroxide
Sodiumhydroxide
Lacticacid
Leadnitrate
Borax
Sodiumbichromate
Sodiumsulphate
Phosphoricacid

1.
100

2.

3.

4.

5. 6.

7.

8.

70

96

23
89

9.

10.

40
1L
160
300
25

108
150

25
125
7,5
X

200
5

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Electrolyticcolouring/I
1.Greenoncopper.Object=cathode,anode=stainlessteel,40v,15A/dm2.Potassiumor
sodiumcarbonatecanbeusedtoo.Voltageandcurrentdensitycanbemuchweaker.
2.Yellowgreenoncopper.Object=cathode,6v,undefinedcurrentdensity.Ifweusea
solutionofammoniumnitrateandsodiumnitrate(50gm/50gm)thecolourwillbeblue
green.1A/dm2,max.4v
3.Redandgreenoncopper/copperalloys.2v,object=anode
4.Greenongoldandgiltobjects.Dissolveeverycomponentinahalfliterofthe
water,thenmixsolutionstogether.Object=anode,cathode=stainlesssteelor
platinum.Smallcathode(needle),biganode.Distancebetweenelectrodes1cm.15
minutes.Coloursplatinumblue.Ifweusetheleadacetatesolution(100g/lit)resultwillbe
Nobilisrings(rainbowcoloredrings)ifanodeisgoldorgilt.Otherusable
solutions:manganesesulphate(50gm/lit),ammoniumsulphate(25gm/lit),manganese
acetate(67gm/lit),manganesechloride(125gm/lit)copperacetate,
5. Fortitanium,coloursdependsonvoltage,stainnlesssteelcathode,objectisanode.
Strawyellow/10vpurple/29vblue/30vbluegreen/45vlightgreen/55vpurple
red/75vgrey/110v
Danger!Potentialydeadlyvoltage!Userubbergloves!
6.Blackoncopper.24A/dm2,20minutes,object=anode,cathodestainlesssteel
7.Differentcoloursoncopper.Violet,blue,green,yellow,orange,red.Voltage0,25v,current
density0,15/Adm2.Object=cathode,anodecopper.Thereareotherformulastoo:copper
sulphate40/45/50/,hydroxide35/40/50,sugar85/90/100gm/lit.Asolutionof60gm
coppersulphate/50gmhydroxide/100gmsugarisanotherpossibleoption.Orsolutionof
100gmcoppersulphate/355gmcitricacid/246gmNaOH.Or15gmcoppersulphate
and150gmborax.
8.Differentcoloursontin.Yellowgreenredblue.3540C.Currentdensity0,0050,010
A/dm2.Duration320minutes.Anodecopper.
9. Forstainlesssteel(CrNi18/8).object=anode,cathodelead.7095C.1,3v.0,06
A/dm2.550minutes.
Coloursequence:brownblueyellowredbrownpurplegreen
10.Blackonzinc.Object=anode,pH2,54,5.0.55A/dm2.1,54v.Temp.1525C

INGREDIENTS,grams ELECTROLYTICCOLOURING/II
onliterofwater

Potassiumhydroxide
Ammoniumsulphate
Nickelsulphate
Nickelammoniumsulphate
Zincsulphate
Sodiumthiocyanate
Chromicacid
Aceticacidconc.
Bariumcarbonate
Sodiumthiosulphate
Sodiumcitrate
Copperacetate
Gelatine
Sodiumhydroxide
Potassiumthiocyanate
Sodiumlactate
Sodiumchloride
Sodiumhydrogenphosphate

11. 12. 13. 14.

300
100
75
45
37
15
40
28,2
1

15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20.

23
100

30
50
40
40

30

10
15
10
3
300
20
400
50
100

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Electrolyticcolouring/II
11.Forstainlesssteel,boilingsolution,cathode=stainlesssteel,15minutes,upto0,4A/dm2
,golden,brown,red,blue
12.Forniobium,object=anode,cathodestainlesssteel,coloursdependsonvoltage
violet/1516v+blue/20v+yellow/50v+magentared/60v+turquise/80v+pink/100v
Danger!Potentialydeadlyvoltage!Userubbergloves!
13.Blacknickel,pH5,65,9,upto2A/dm2,55Ctemp.,0,51,5v.Nickelanode.
14.Blackchromium,measuresinozs/gallonwater.Upto20A/dm2
15.Greennickel.pH6,4.Upto1,5A/dm2
16.Differentcoloursforzinc,aluminium,copper,brass,steel.Addupto2,4gmzinc
chloride.Sodiumchloride0100gr.Sodiumlactateinmll!27C.Upto0,12A/dm2.ccordingto
USApatentUSPT6,800,190
17.Bluenickel.Addo,5gmbutylene1.4diol.Temp.50C.Nickelanode.
18.Bancroftsblueoncopper.Anodeandcathodecopper.0,45A/dm2.Cathodemustbe
coveredwithgelatinousbrowncoating,thenrinsewellandimmerseinsolutionof50gm
copperacetate/1lit.Waterbluecolourwillbeformed.Itmustbelacquered!
19.Differentcoloursonsteel.Firstwetreatobjectascathodefor2minutes,andthennext5
minutesasanode.Voltage0,52v,currentdensityupto5A/dm2.Violet,blue,red
brown,yellow.
20.Blackontin.Add10mllphosphoricacid(1,75gm/cm3).90C,6minutes,cathodecopper,34
A/dm2

HEATCOLOURINGOFMETALS
Verysimpleprocess.Ametalmustbeheatedtothespecifictemperature,whenthecolouris
developed,theprocessisended.Aheatingmustbe,inprinciple,indirect(withoutcontactwith
aopenflame).Akilnwithprecisetemperaturecontrolmustbeprefered.Hotairguncanbe
usedtoo.
1.HEATCOLOURINGOFIRONANDSTEEL
yellow/228Cbrown/254Cpurplered/265Cslightblue/264Cdarkblue/293C
2.HEATCOLOURINGOFSTAINLESSSTEEL
lightyellow/290Cbrown/390Cpurple/450Cblue/540Cdarkblue/600C
3.HEATCOLOURINGOFTITANIUM
lightyellow/371Cpurple/412Cblue/440Clightgreen/510Cbrownishgrey/635C
4.HEATCOLOURINGOFCOPPER/COPPERALLOYS
Whenweheatcopperoritsalloysto161341Cinterferencecoloursdevelope
first.Sequence:lightbrownishorangereddishbrownorangerosereddishorangeroseredrose
reddishvioletpurplishbluevioletwhitesteeelwhiteyellowishwhitebrassyellowdark
yellowmeatredpinkishbluebluishgreen.Athighertemperatures(morethan600C)redand
blackoxides.
5.HEATCOLOURINGOFDIFFERENTMETALSINBLACK
Thistreatmentcanbeusedonanymetal,ifitcanbeheatedto200400C.Itwasusedinthe
LateMiddleAgesoncopper(emailbrun)andironorsteel.Metalmustberubbedwithlinseed
oil(verysparingly)andheatedslowlyto200400C.Repeatifneeds.Insteadoilwecanuse20
%shellacsolution.
Otheroilscanbeusedtoo(sunflower,olive,peanut,soy).

INGREDIENTS,gramsonliterofDEGREASING
water

Gasoline
Alcohol
Acetone
Trichlorethylene
Sodiumhydroxide
Sodiumcarbonate
Trisodiumphosphate
Sodiumgluconate
Polyglycolicethersulphate
Waterglass

1. 2. 3. 4.
X
X
X
X

5.

6.

7.

100

15
10
10
20

15

8. 9.

10.

70
100 130
50

15
0,8
8

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Degreasing
1.2.3.4.Solventdegreasing.1.,2.,3.flamable,4.notflamablebuttoxic.Mixtureofgasoline
andtrichloroethylenenotflamablebuttoxictoo!
5.Forcopperanditsalloys,iron,silver,goldandnickelimmerseobjectsinaboiling
solution.Safetygogglesandglovesmustbeused.Veryharmfulfortheskinandmucous
membranes.Afterdegreasingrinsewellandthenbrushwithlimeandchalkslurry.Thenrinse
wellagainwithwater,andthenwithdilutedcitricacid(3550gm/lit.).Rinseoncemoreand
dry.
6.Forcopperanditsalloys.Sameprocessas5.,temperatureofthesolution7080C,duration
34minutes.
7.Electrolyticdegreasingforcopperanditsalloys.!,52,5A/dm2,30C,voltage6v.Simple
electrolytecanbeusedtoo(50gmsodiumhydroxideor25gmsodiumhydroxide/25gm
sodiumcarbonate.
8.i9.Sameas7.Foraluminium,tin(8.),zinc,lead.
10.Electrolyticdegreasing.Treatmentsameas7.

INGREDIENTS,gramsonliterofPICKLING,CHEMICALPOLISHING,MATTFINISH/I
water

Sulphuricacid
Phosphoricacid
Nitricacid
Hydrochloricacid
Soot
Oxalicacid
Hydrogenperoxide
IronIIsulphate
Sodiumhydroxide
Sodiumbichromate
Sodiumchloride
Water
Ethylalcohol

1.
100

2.

3.

4. 5.
1L

6.
0,1

100
50

1L 1L
10 20
5

7.
11
78
11

8.

25
40

9.
30

10.
60

60
0,8
200
200

1L

1L

1L

No No

1L

1L

800 1
20

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Pickling,chemicalpolishing,mattfinish/I

1.Forironandsteel,copperanditsalloys,silver,zinc(2050mll/litonly).Wecanaddupto
1%ofthescotchglueorgelatine.Youmustslowlyaddacidtothewater!
2.Forironandsteel.
3.Fortin.
4.Forcopper/copperalloys.Prepicklingbeforepolishing.
5.Forcopperanditsalloys.Chemicalpolishing.Workunderstrongventilation.Slowlyadd
sulphurictonitricacid,sootandhydrochloricacidmustbeaddedlastwhenthesolution
iscold.Thegasformedduringtheapplicationistoxic.Ifweadd5%zincsulphatethe
resultismattfinish.Ifsoot,saltandzincsulphateareaddedtheresultischemical
polishingsolution.
6.Forironandsteel,chemicalpolishing.Useonlyfreshsolution!
7.Foraluminium,chemicalpolishing.Phosphoricaciddensity1,75,nitric1,42,sulphuric
1,84.95100C.1560seconds..
8.Foraluminium,wecanadd30gmsodiumchloridetoo.
9.Withouttoxicgas!Only800890mllwater!Peroxide60150mll.Useonlyfreshsolution!
10.Mattfinishforcopperanditsalloys.Beforeuseitmuststay24h/3040C.Notoxic
gas!Chromiumcompoundsarecancerogene,userubbergloves!

INGREDIENTS,gramson PICKLING,CHEMICALPOLISHINGANDMATTFINISH/II
literofwater

11. 12. 13. 14.

Sulphuricacid
Nitricacid
Hydrochloricacid
Water
Thiourea
Phosphoricacid
Aceticacid
Ethylalcohol
Glycerine
IronIIIchloride
Formicacid
Trisodiumphosphate
Hydrogenperoxide30%
Sodiumhydroxide

3
X
X

15.

16. 17.

10
5
200
10
800 75

18. 19.

20.

50
45

25
200

10

700
10
300
10
50
45
160

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Pickling,chemicalpolishing,mattfinish/II
11.Forausteniticstainlesssteel.Acidconcentration25%,5565Ctemp.Youmustworkina
wellwentilatedroom!
12.Forausteniticstainlessstell.Acidconcentration30%.
13Goldelectropolishing.Temp.5060C,13minutes,currentdensity1,53,5A/dm2,object=
anode
14.Silverelectropolishing.Duration20seconds,currentdensity1,5A/dm2,object=
anode,measuresinmll,withoutwater!
15.Copperelectropolishing.Acidingrams,waterinmll,object=anode
16.Achemicalpolishingofthestainlesssteel,involumepercents,add10gmsoot,temp.80C!
17.Forsteelwire,1000cmwater!
18.Formagnesiumsheet,notforcastobjects!
19.Fornickel,involumepercents!
20.Satinfinishforaluminium.Upto260gmhydroxide,sodiumnitrate120160gm,dextrine1
gm,trisodiumphosphateupto80gm.Temp.7080C.Duration3060seconds!

INGREDIENTS,gramson

IMMERSIONPLATING/I

literofwater

Tinchloride
Sodiumsulphate
Hydrochloricacid
Sodiumhydroxide
Nickelsulphate
Sodiumchloride
Basiccoppercarbonate
Silverchloride
Potassiumcarbonate
Potassiumnitrate
Coppersulphate
Potassiumferrocyanide
Goldchloride
Ammonia25%
Tartaricacid
Zincpowder
Silvernitrate
Sodiumthiosulphate
Ammoniumchloride
Potassiumbitartrate

1.
15
160
X

2. 3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9. 10.
5

200
250
20

30

X
10
30
1
20
30
7

7
50
X

15
30
10

3,5
20

250

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Immersionplating/I
1.Tiningofiron.Dissolveingredients,addafewdropsofacid.Immerseobjetson
perforatedzincsheetandcoverthemwithzinccuttings.Duration45minutes.
2.Brassingbyfriction.Take10partssaturatedammoniumchloridesolutionand1part
basiccoppercarbonate.Rubbitontheobject.
3.Zincplatingforcopper.Inaboilinglyeaddzincdustinasmallportions,untilsome
zincduststayedundissolved.Hangobjectinthesolutionuntilzinccoatingissatisfactory.
4.Brightsilveringforcopperandcopperalloys.Dissolvenitratein50gmwater,add
ammoniumchloridedissolvedinthesameamountofwater,andattheendaddsodium
thiosulphatesolution(in900mllwater).Immerseobjectsinthesolution,biggerobjects
mustbesplashedorsprayed.Brushobjectswithfinebrasswirescratchbrush,whichis
previouslyimmersedinthesoapywaterorstalebeer.Rinsewell.Keepindarkbottle.
5.Silveringpasteforcopperandcopperalloys.Mixthoroughlydryingredients,addthe
smallestpossibleamountofwaterandrubbitonanobjectwithapieceofleather,corkor
cloth.Rinsewellandbrushwithfinebrasswirepreviouslyimmersedinthesoapywateror
stalebeer.Rinsewellandlacquerassoonispossible.
6.Gildingforcopperandcopperalloys.Dissolvechemicalsoneafteranother,gold
chloridelast.Immerseobjectsinahotsolution,rinsewell,brushthemwithfinebrasswire
brush,previouslyimmersedinsoapywaterorstalebeer,rinsewell,dryandlacquer.Never
trytomixthesolutionandacids!Deadlydangerous!
7.Gildingpowder.Forsilverancopper/copperalloys.Dissolvechemicalsin200ccm
water,moistensmalllinenclothwithsolution,andwhenitisdryburnit.Obtainedashis
gildingpowderwithpieceofcorkmoistenedwithvinegartakesomepowderandrubbit
onanobject.Rinsewell,brushwithfinebrasswirebrushpreviouslymoistenedwithsoapy
waterorstalebeer,rinseagain,dryandlacquer.
8.Copperingofironandsteel.AddtartaricaciduntilpHis3,5!
9.Bronzefinishforironandsteel.
10.Nickelingofcopper.Temperatureofthesolution100C,objectsmustbehangedon
aluminiumorzincwire.

INGREDIENTS,gramson

IMMERSIONPLATING/lI

literofwater

Ammonia25%
Sodiumchloride
Platinumchloride
Sodiumhydroxide
Zincsulphate
Coppersulphate
Sulphuricacid
Potassiumsodiumtartarate
Coppertartarate
Tartaricacid
Potassiumbitartrate
Zincchloride
Nickelammoniumsulphate
Ammoniumchloride
Nickelsulphate
Sodiumcarbonate
Nickelchloride
Tinchloride
IronIIIchloride

1.
50

2.
140
10
X

30

50

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.
5

10.
30

90
50

80
20 30
10
150
50
X
20
10
20
40
60
10
60
30
10

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Immersionplating/II

1. Copperingforzinc.Immerseobjects.Whencoppercoatingisformedtakeitoutand
rinsewell.50ccmammonia.
2. Platinizingforcopperandcopperalloys.Dissolvesaltinahotwater,addplatinum
chloride,addhydroxide,untilpHis9.Immerseobjectsinthehotsolution.
3.Zincingofaluminium.Dissolvezincsulphatein1lit.water,dissolvehydroxidein1lit
water,mixsolutionsandimmerseobjectsinthehotsolution(50C),objectsmustbemoved
insolution,duration20seconds.
4.Copperingofironandsteel.Immerseobjects(4seconds).Rinsewell.
5.Copperingfortinandpewter.Dissolvetartarateinahalfliterofwater,addhydroxide,in
anotherhalfliterofwaterdissolvesulphate,mixsolutionsandimmerseobjectshangedon
aluminiumorzincwire.Thetemperatureofsolution90C.
6.Copperingforaluminium.Thesolutionmustbeacidifiedwithtartaricacid,pH3,5.100
C.
7.Zincingofironandsteel.Immerseobjectsinhotsolution.
8.Nickelingofironandsteel.CorrectpHto9(withammonia),thenacidifywithtartaric
acid,phmustbe3.Immerseobjectshangedonaluminiumorzincwire.
9.Nickelingbyfriction.Thesolutionmustbeacidfiedwithfewdropsofsulphuric
acid.Moistenpieceofclothwithsolution,takesomefinezincfillingsandrubbitonan
object.Rinsewellanddry.Forcopperandcopperedironorsteel.
10.Nickelingofzinc.Immerseobjectsinheatedsolution.Diluteifworkstoofast.

INGREDIENTS,gramson

ELECTROPLATING/I

literofwater

Coppersulphate
Sulphuricacid
Copperpyrophosphate
Potassiumpyrophosphate
Zincsulphate
Sodiumsulphate
Tinchloride
Sodiumphosphate
Nickelsulphate
Sodiumcitrate
Chromicacid
Silverpyrophosphate
Ammoniumcarbonate
Potassiumferrocyanide
Potassiumcarbonate
Goldchloride
Aluminiumsulphate
Sodiumsulphite
Boricacid
Dextrine
Ammonia25%

1.
250
75

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

2,5
110
400

100
200
50
17
35

75
68
35
250
25
25

20
40 15
40 15
4 1

30
2,5
1
10
1

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Electroplating/I
1.Acidcopperplating.Canbeusedforelectroforming.35A/dm2.Voltage2,6
v.Temperature3040C.Copperanode.
2.Pyrophosphatecoppering.Add19gmcitricacidand3gmammonia(25%).Copper
anode.
3.Acidzincplating.2A/dm2,34V,temp.20C,anodeelectrolyticzinc.
4.Tinplating.Tinanode.
5.Nickelplating.0,30,6A/dm2,pH5,6;3V,anodenickel.
6.Chromiumplating.1020A/dm2,35C40C,anodelead.Thecompoundsusedfor
chromiumplatingarecancerogeneanddangerousforenvironment!Imitationofchrome
plating,basedoncobaltandzincalloycanbeusedinstead.
7.Silverplating.Anodestainlesssteel.
8.Silverplating.Anodestainlesssteel,0,5A/dm2,2,3V,20C,ammonia1cm3.
Chemicalsmustbedissolvedonebyone(afterpreviouscompoundisdissolved!)in
boilingwater,addsilverchlorideaslast(freshisthebestmixsilvernitratesolutionand
kitchensaltsolution).Mustbeboiled30180minutes,filterwhencold.Nevertrytomix
solutionandacidsitisdeadlydangerous!
9.Goldplating.4V,0,6A/dm2,20C,anodestainlesssteel.Sameprocessas8.Nevertry
tomixsolutionandacidsdeadlydangerous!
10.Goldplating.Stainlesssteelanode.

INGREDIENTS,gramson

ELECTROPLATING/II

literofwater

Ammoniumtartrate
Silverchloride
Platinumchloride
Sodiumphosphate
Ammoniumphosphate
Basiccoppercarbonate
Zincoxide
Potassiumsodiumtartarate
Sodiumhydroxide
Potassiumferrocyanide
Potassiumcarbonate
Goldchloride
Tinchloride
Coppersulphate
Rhodiumsulphate
IronIIsulphate
Sodiumpyrophosphate
Citricacid
Glycol

1.
36

2.

3.

4. 5.

6. 7.

8.

9.

10.

40
4
100
20
8
8
260
40

200

180
50
200 200
20 40
50

9,4
30

2
75

40
20
48

35

ADDITIONALEXPLANATIONS:Electroplating/II
1.Nickelplating.Dissolvechemicalsinthehalfliterofwater,add0,5gmtannin,whenitis
dissolvedaddanotherhalfliterofwater.pH7.Nickelanode.
2.Platinumplating,forcopper,silverandgold.Dissolvesodiumphosphate,addammonium
phosphate,addplatinumchloride.Anodeplatinumorstainlesssteel.
3.Pyrophosphatetinplating.Add6,26gmdextrine.Temp.60C.
4.Rhodiumplating.Rhodiumsulphate23gm/metalcontent/,sulphuricacid4060gm.
1,52A/dm2,temp.1525C.
5.Ironplating.Dissolvein0,6litwater,andthenadd0.4litammonia(25%).Ironanode.
6.Copperplating.Sulphate15,631,2gm,glycol1648gm.Temp.1825C.Currentdensity
0,51,5A/dm2.
7.Brassplating.0,50,7A/dm2;50C,pH13,213,6.Anodebrass!
8.Silverplating.Forcopperanitsalloys,tin,iron.Dissolvepotassiumferrocyanideinthe
boilingwater,addcarbonateandwhenitisdissolvedaddsilverchloride(freshisthe
best).Boil30180minutes.Filterwhencooled.Anodestainlesssteelorfinesilver.12mll
ammoniacanbeaddedtoo.Platedobjectmustbethenscratchbrushedwithfinebrasswire
brush,previouslydippedinsoapywaterorstalebeer.Canbeusedforelectroforming
too.Nevertrytomixsolutionandacids.Deadlydangerous!
9.Goldplating.Forcopperanditsalloys,silver,tin,iron.Sameprocessas8.Anodestainless
steelorplatinum.Platedobjectsmustbescratchbrushedwithfinebrasswirebrush,
previouslyimmersedinsoapywaterorstalebeer.Canbeusedforelectroforming
too.Nevertrytomixsolutionandacids.Deadlydangerous!
10.Copperplating.Coppersulphate3540gm,tartarate180190gm,hydroxide5060
gm.Temp.20C.Currentdensity0,31,5A/dm2.

SHORTINSTRUCTIONSFORSUCCESSFULANDSAFECOLOURINGANDPLATING
OFMETALS

1.EVERYMETALOBJECTCANBECOLOUREDONLYIFITISPREVIOUSLY
CLEANEDFROMGREASE,OXIDEANDOTHERIMPURITIES(STANDARD
WORKINGCYCLEDEGREASE+PICKLE+RINSE+COLOURORPLATE+RINSE+
DRY+WAXORLACQUER+INSOMECASESNEUTRALIZATIONCANBE
INCLUDEDTOO!).FORTHEBESTRESULTSUSEONLYDISTILLEDWATER!
2.IFTREATEDMETALCANNOTBECOLOUREDTODESIREDCOLOURWE
MUSTCOVERTHEMWITHMETALWHICHCANBECOLUREDTODESIRED
COLOUR.
3.OBJECTSCANBESPRAYEDORBRUSHEDWITHSOLUTIONORIMMERSED
INSOLUTIONFORCOLOURING.SAWDUST,PAPERORTEXTILECUTTINGS
CANBEMIXEDWITHSOLUTIONANDTHENAPPLIED.THISMETHOD
CANNOTBEUSEDWITHOXIDIZINGCOMPOUNDSBASEDSOLUTIONS.IN
SOMECASESCOLOURINGCANBESPEEDEDWITHGASTORCHORHOTAIR
GUN.
FINALLYOBJECTSCANBEWAXORLACQUERFINISHED.
4.SIMPLECURRENTSOURCEFORELECTROPLATINGISABATTERY.BEST
CURRENTSOURCEISPLATINGRECTIFIER.ANOBJECTMUSTBE
CONNECTEDTOTHENEGATIVEPOLEANDANODETOTHEPOSITIVE
POLE(EXCEPTINTHECASEOFANODIZING).WECANUSEPLASTIC,GLASS
ORENAMELLEDIRONCONTAINERS.
5.ALLCHEMICALSUSEDINCOLOURINGORPLATINGOFMETALSARE
LESSORMORETOXIC,SOWEMUSTUSESAFETYGOGGLES,RUBBER
GLOVESANDPROTECTIVECLOTHING.INSOMECASESWEMUSTUSEGAS
MASKWITHAPPROPRIATEFILTER.ALLFORMULASBASEDONPOTASSIUM
ORSODIUMCYANIDE,ARSENEORMERCURYCOMPOUNDSAREOMITTED!
PROCESSESBASEDONCHROMIUM,ANTIMONY,SELENIUMANDLEADARE
INCLUDEDBUTAUTHORCANNOTRECOMMENDTHEIRUSE!

6.STRONGOXIDIZINGCOMPOUNDSUSEDINSOMEOFTHEFORMULAS
MUSTBEHANLEDWITHCAUTIONBECAUSEOFTHEFIREHAZARDAND
THEIREXPLOSIVENATURE.NEVERMIXTHEMTOGETHERORWITH
ORGANICMATERIALSORSOLVENTS(POTASSIUM,SODIUMAND
AMMONIUMNITRATE,CHLORATE,PERSULPHATEANDCHROMATE)!
7.ALLCHEMICALSMUSTBECLEARLYLABELEDANDKEPTOUTOFREACH
OFTHECHILDRENORUNTRAINEDPERSONS!
8.EXPIREDSOLUTIONSMUSTBEDILUTEDWITHATLEAST4PARTSOFTHE
WATERTOTHEONEPARTSOLUTIONANDTHENNEUTRALIZEDTOTHE
NEUTRALPH.ONLYAFTERTHATSTEPWECANTHROWTHEMAWAY.
EXPIREDSOLUTIONSBASEDONCOMPOUNDSOFCHROMIUM,
LEAD,ANTIMONY,NICKEL,SELENIUMORFERROCYANIDESMUSTBE
TREATEDBYAUTHORIZEDPERSONAL.BEFOREANYFORMOFDISPOSAL,
LOCALLAWREGULATIONSMUSTBECONSULTED!

LITERATURE
1. G.Buchner:Metallfaerbung,Berlin1935.
2. DeutschesKupferInstitut:ChemischeMetallfaerbungvonKupferund
Kupferlegirungen,Berlin1974.
3. R.Hugnes,M.Rowe;TheColouring,BronzingandPatinationofMetals,London
1991.
4. O.P.Kraemer;MetallfaerbungundMetallueberzuegeohneStromquelle,Saulgau
1977.
5. V.Liozin:Kemijskobojenjekovina,Beograd1948.
6. F.Spitzer:Priruchnikzaradionicu,Zagreb1948.
7. H.Schubert:HandundHilfsbuchfuerdePraktischenMetallarbeiter,Wien1910(?).
8. S.Wernick,R.Pinner:DieOberflaechenbehadlungvonAluminium,Saulgau,1960.
9.D.Fischlock:MetalColouring,Teddington1962.
10.H.Krause:Metallfaerbung,Muenchen1951.
11.E.Beutel:BewahrteArbeitswesenderMetallfaerbung,Wien1913.
12.A.Hiorns:MetalColouringandBronzing,London1892.
13.M.Straschill:NeuzeitlischesBeizenvonMetallen,Saulgau1972.
14.W.Machu:NichtmetallischeAnorganischeUeberzege,Wien1952.
15.W.Machu:OberflaechenvorbehadlungvonEisenundNichteisenmetallen,Leipzig
1954.
16.Fischer,Weimer:PreciousMetalPlating,Teddington1963
17.F.Lowenheim:ModernElectroplating,NewYork1972.
18.P.M.Vjaeslavov;S.A.Grilihes;G.K.Burkat,E.G.Kruglova:Galvanotehnikablagorodnih
iredkihmetalov,Leningrad1970.
19.S.A.Grilihes:Obezshirivaniye,travleniyeipolirovanyemetalov,Leningrad1983.
20.H.I.Halilov:Galvanotehnikadlyayuvelirov,Saratov2003.
21.B.A.Purin,V.A.Cera;E.A.Ozola,I.A.Viminya:Kompleksnieelektrolitivgalvanotehnike,Riga1978.

22.A.M.Jampolskij:Elektroliticheskoeosazhdenieblagorodnihiredkihmetallov,Leningrad
1977.
23.N.V.Odnoralov:Galvanoplastikadoma,Moskva1990.

RECCOMENDEDWEBPAGES
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finishing
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2.ProductsFinishingOnlineverygoodsitetoo
www.pfonline.com/
3.InternetAchiveexcellentwebite,thereyoucanfindmany19thcenturyelectroplatingand
electroforminghandbooks+2booksoncolouringofmetals
www.archive.org
4.DownloadfreebookonmetalcolouringChemischeFaerbungvonKupferund
Kupferlegirungen,publisherisDeutschesKupferInstitut(GermanCopperInstitute)
htttp://kupferinstitut.de/front_frame/pdf/chemischeFaerbungen.pdf
5.Russiansitededicatedtoelectroplatingandmetalfinishing,hereyoucandownloadmany
oldexUSSRplatinghandbooks
www.galvanicrus.ru
6.Anotherrussiansitededicatedtoelectroplatingandsurfacefinishing,manyolddownload
freeplatinghandbookstoo
www.galvanicworld.com
7.UnitedStatesPatentandTrademarkOfficethereyoucandownloadhundredsofexpired
patentsonelectroplating,metalcolouring,electroforming,corrosion
inhibitors,anodizing,conversioncoatings,rustconvertersetc.
www.uspto.gov
8.Searchabledatabaseofsurfacefinishingabstracts
http://surfacequery.com/
9.Germanwebsitededicatedtosurfacefinishing
10.Patinasforcopper,brassandbronze
www.sciencecompany.com/patinas/patinaformulas.htm

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