DIY Silver Plating

[CageyH]

Out of interest, if it worth trying to silver plate some electrical contacts with the electroless deposition method?
Will it make enough of a difference, or should I just get the contacts electroplated properly?

[CageyH]

I take it that is a no then?

[walpurgis]

Why not give it a try Kevin?

[CageyH]

I'll do a bit of research first to see if it is worth investing in the chemicals, or if I need an electrolysis type kit.

[walpurgis]

You used to be able to buy silver replating kits for silverware restoration. There's probably something suitable on ebay.

[walpurgis]

Like this maybe?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Silver-Plating-Solution-/112434203551?hash=item1a2d99cb9f:g:Kq0AAOSwT6pVrjl q

[CageyH]

Thanks Geoff.
I will do a bit of reading and see which way I need to go.

[alphaGT]

I'd be interested to know how it turns out. I watched a few YouTube videos from a guy trying to copper plate bullets. The end result was so thin it would scratch off the first time you used it. But silver is much harder, and I'm guessing you can make it as thick as you like? And electroplating will have a true molecular bond to the substrate. I'm sure all the gold played connectors are electroplated? Because it's very thin. What kind of connector are you planning to plate?


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[CageyH]

I am looking to silver plate the internals of a mains distribution block.
I would like to see what difference it makes, if any.

[alphaGT]

I am looking to silver plate the internals of a mains distribution block.
I would like to see what difference it makes, if any.

Silver isn't too expensive, perhaps just cast a one solid? But probably near as much trouble as electroplating anyway. Depending on what tools you've got laying about. I've got a few silver coins that I could melt and pour into a mold of the distribution block. Half ounces are worth $8 or so. And it's 100% pure, supposedly.


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[CageyH]

It is just an idea I am tinkering with at the moment. I should have an "audiophile quality" mains block arriving today, but I was just interested in seeing what could be to a standard block for not much money. The other idea is to hard wire it with some decent cable, and bypass the brass rails completely.

[Wakefield Turntables]

this is the same method that david brook uses to silver plate his plugs

[Qwin]

Frost Auto Restoration used to sell electro plating kits.
Mainly for nickel plating but the equipment would be useable, just different chemicals I expect, would need looking in to.