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Electroplating Pre-Treatment

Electroplating Pre-Treatment – The Key to Perfect Coating Results

Achieving a flawless electroplated surface starts long before the actual plating process. Electroplating pre-treatment is the most critical step in ensuring strong adhesion, uniform coating thickness, and long-term corrosion resistance.

Without proper surface preparation, even the highest-quality plating solutions will fail.


Why Pre-Treatment Is Essential

During manufacturing and handling, metal surfaces accumulate contaminants such as:

  • Oils and greases
  • Oxides and scale
  • Polishing compounds
  • Dust and organic residues

These impurities act as barriers between the base metal and the coating layer, leading to:

  • Poor adhesion
  • Blistering and peeling
  • Uneven coating thickness
  • Reduced durability

Professional pre-treatment eliminates these risks and ensures a clean, active, and plating-ready surface.


Key Pre-Treatment Processes

Electroplating Degreasing

Degreasing removes oils, fats, and organic contaminants from the surface.

Benefits:

  • Ensures uniform current distribution
  • Prevents adhesion failure
  • Creates a clean base for further treatment

Pickling & Decaping

Pickling removes oxides, rust, and scale from the metal surface.

Benefits:

  • Restores metallic purity
  • Improves electrical conductivity
  • Enables proper metal deposition

Surface Activation

Activation prepares the metal surface chemically for electroplating.

Benefits:

  • Maximizes adhesion strength
  • Ensures uniform coating
  • Reduces defects and rejects

Chromium Removal

Existing chromium layers must be completely removed before re-plating.

Benefits:

  • Prevents coating delamination
  • Ensures compatibility of new layers
  • Enables high-quality refinishing

Nickel Removal

Nickel layers often need to be stripped before applying new coatings.

Benefits:

  • Eliminates layer incompatibility
  • Improves coating reliability
  • Ensures long-term durability

Typical Applications

  • Jewelry and precious metal plating
  • Automotive and mechanical components
  • Electronics and connectors
  • Tooling and industrial parts
  • Restoration and re-plating

Your Advantage with Professional Pre-Treatment

✔ Maximum adhesion strength
✔ Consistent coating quality
✔ Improved corrosion resistance
✔ Reduced rejects and rework
✔ Reliable, repeatable processes


Conclusion

In electroplating, pre-treatment is not optional—it is fundamental.
Only a perfectly prepared surface guarantees a high-performance coating.

Invest in the right pre-treatment solutions to achieve superior plating results, process stability, and long-term product quality.

Filter products

Cleaner - Degrease

Electrocleaner – Degreaser (SW10002.5) Universal cleaner and degreasing agent for electroplating surface preparation Short Description The Electrocleaner – Degreaser is a powerful cleaning and degreasing solution designed for the preparation of metal surfaces prior to electroplating and other coating processes. It reliably removes grease, oil, residues, fingerprints and light oxide layers without attacking paints or lacquers. Proper surface preparation is one of the most critical steps in electroplating. This electrocleaner ensures clean, active metal surfaces and significantly improves coating adhesion, uniformity and final appearance. What is the electrocleaner used for? The electrocleaner is used to thoroughly clean and degrease metal surfaces before electroplating, activation or coating processes. It is suitable for removing: grease, oil and lubricants fingerprints and skin oils light oxide and tarnish layers general surface contamination The product can be used on all conductive metals, including silver, copper, brass, steel and many other alloys. How does the electrocleaner work? (simple explanation) The electrocleaner dissolves grease, oil and surface contamination using a specially formulated chemical composition. This exposes a clean, bare metal surface, which is essential for successful electroplating. There are three common application methods: 1. Non-electrolytic (manual cleaning) The workpiece is wiped or brushed with a cloth or sponge soaked in the electrocleaner. 2. Hot degreasing The solution can be heated to approximately 50 °C, which significantly improves cleaning performance for heavy contamination. 3. Electrolytic cleaning By applying direct current (approx. 5 V) between the workpiece and a suitable electrode (e.g. stainless steel or graphite), the cleaning effect is enhanced and oxide layers are reduced more efficiently. Advantages of the Electrocleaner – Degreaser Universal application for many metals Effectively removes oil, grease, dirt and oxides Gentle on paints and lacquers – does not attack coatings Ideal surface preparation for electroplating processes Suitable for hobby use, workshops and professional applications Can be used with or without electrical current Application Notes (practical guidance) Manual cleaning: Rub the surface thoroughly with a sponge or cloth soaked in the electrocleaner. Hot cleaning: Heat the solution to approx. 50 °C and immerse the workpiece briefly. Electrolytic cleaning: Apply direct current (approx. 5 V) using a suitable electrode to enhance cleaning efficiency. Important: After cleaning, always rinse the workpiece thoroughly with clean water before proceeding with activation or electroplating. Safety Information Although the electrocleaner is designed for metal processing, it is a chemical product and must be handled with care: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing Avoid contact with skin and eyes Use only in well-ventilated areas Do not inhale vapors or aerosols Do not ingest and keep out of reach of children In case of contact with skin or eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if necessary. Scope of Delivery Electrocleaner – Degreaser SW10002.5 Quantity according to selection Conclusion The Electrocleaner – Degreaser is an essential product for reliable surface preparation in electroplating. Clean, grease-free metal surfaces are the foundation for uniform, adherent and high-quality coatings. This product supports both beginners and professionals in achieving consistent and professional results.

Content: 0.25 Liter (€23.60 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €5.90
Activator

Galvano Activator BMG-061.2 Surface activator and pickling solution for electroplating applications Short Description The Galvano Activator BMG-061.2 is a specially formulated chemical solution used for activating metal surfaces prior to electroplating. It removes thin oxide and passive layers that prevent proper adhesion of electroplated coatings and restores a chemically active metal surface. The activator is an essential preparation step for achieving uniform, adherent and high-quality electroplated layers, such as nickel, gold, silver or chromium coatings. What is the activator used for? The activator is used to: remove thin oxide and passive layers from metal surfaces activate metals after degreasing and before electroplating improve adhesion and durability of subsequent coatings prepare workpieces for professional electroplating processes It is commonly applied to: steel and passive nickel surfaces copper, brass and copper alloys preparation before nickel plating, silver plating, gold plating or chromium plating How does the activator work? (simple explanation) Even after thorough cleaning and degreasing, metal surfaces often remain covered by microscopic oxide layers that are invisible to the eye but block electroplating. The activator works by: Dissolving and removing thin oxide and passive layers Chemically activating the metal surface Allowing the next electroplated layer to adhere evenly and securely This results in better coating quality, improved adhesion and longer service life of the plated surface. Application Instructions (practical guidance) Preparation Before using the activator, the workpiece should be polished if required and thoroughly degreased, e.g. with a suitable electrocleaner. Application Method 1 – Without electrical current (immersion) Immerse the workpiece in the activator for 30–60 seconds Rinse briefly with clean water Proceed with electroplating within 10–30 minutes to prevent re-oxidation Application Method 2 – With electrical assistance (brush / pen activation) Use a stainless steel or graphite electrode Apply approx. 2.7 V DC Treat the surface with gentle circular movements for about 30 seconds Tip: Begin electroplating as soon as possible after activation, as metal surfaces oxidize quickly when exposed to air. Advantages of Galvano Activator BMG-061.2 Effectively removes invisible oxide and passive layers Ensures optimal surface activation before electroplating Improves adhesion and uniformity of plated coatings Suitable for various metals and alloys Can be used with or without electrical current Proven product for hobby, workshop and professional use Safety Information The activator is a chemical solution and must be handled with appropriate care: Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles and protective clothing Avoid contact with skin and eyes In case of contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water Use only in well-ventilated areas Keep out of reach of children Warning: May cause serious eye irritation. Proper protective equipment is mandatory. Scope of Delivery Galvano Activator BMG-061.2 Quantity according to selection Conclusion The Galvano Activator BMG-061.2 is an essential preparation product for professional electroplating. By removing oxide layers and activating metal surfaces, it ensures reliable adhesion, uniform coatings and consistently high-quality electroplated results — for both beginners and professionals.

Content: 0.25 Liter (€27.20 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €6.80
Chrome Stripper

Chrome Remover / Chrome Stripper – Electrolytic Dechroming with Precision This high-performance chrome remover / chrome stripper is specifically developed for electrolytic dechroming (reverse plating) using controlled electrical current. By applying the correct polarity, the chrome layer is selectively dissolved, revealing the underlying nickel layer without damaging the base material. Suitable for pen plating, tampon processes, and bath electroplating applications. How It Works – Reverse Polarity Dechroming Unlike electroplating, this process uses reversed polarity: Workpiece = Positive pole (Anode) Electrode (stainless steel) = Negative pole (Cathode) A stainless steel electrode is used due to its chemical resistance and stability during the process. This setup causes the chrome layer to undergo anodic dissolution. Visible indicator: The typical bluish chrome finish fades, and the yellowish nickel layer underneath becomes visible. Applications Pen plating (selective plating) Tampon / swab technique Electrolytic bath systems Selective or full-surface chrome removal Application Guide – From Beginner to Professional Beginner Clean and degrease the workpiece thoroughly Connect the workpiece to the positive pole (anode) Connect the stainless steel electrode to the negative pole (cathode) Apply the chrome remover using a pen or tampon Start with low current aprox. 5 Volt and increase gradually  Important: Correct polarity is critical – only with the workpiece on the positive pole will the chrome layer dissolve. Advanced Users Adjust current density depending on chrome thickness Maintain even movement for uniform removal Rinse intermittently to monitor progress Professionals Control parameters via current density (A/dm²), voltage, and time Perform selective dechroming on complex geometries Integrate into multi-step electrochemical processes Key Advantages ✔ Controlled anodic chrome removal ✔ Visual process control (chrome → nickel transition) ✔ Compatible with pen, tampon, and bath systems ✔ Stainless steel electrode for durability and stability ✔ High precision with minimal material impact Technical Background This process is based on established electrochemical principles: Anodic dissolution of chromium in suitable electrolytes Standard method in electroplating and metal stripping technology Nickel remains due to its different electrochemical potential Widely documented in: Electroplating engineering and surface technology literature Industrial chrome stripping (reverse plating) processes Metal finishing standards and technical manuals Typical Use Cases Automotive parts & restoration Jewelry and decorative finishes Industrial rework and repair Precision engineering & model making Conclusion This chrome remover for electrolytic dechroming provides a precise, controllable, and industry-proven solution for removing chrome layers efficiently. With correct polarity and a stainless steel electrode, you achieve clean, reliable results every time.

Content: 0.25 Liter (€38.00 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €6.90
Aluminum Activator

Aluminum Activator – The Critical Step for Perfect Plating on Aluminum The aluminum activator is a specialized chemical solution designed for the pre-treatment of aluminum surfaces prior to electroplating. Aluminum instantly forms a dense oxide layer when exposed to air. This layer acts as a barrier, preventing metals such as copper, nickel, or gold from bonding to the surface. Without proper pre-treatment, durable electroplating on aluminum is not possible. This activator removes the oxide layer and prepares the surface for strong adhesion and uniform metal deposition. Why Aluminum Requires Pre-Treatment Aluminum naturally develops an oxide film that: is electrically insulating blocks metal adhesion causes peeling and coating failure Professional electroplating requires a clean, oxide-free, and activated surface. This is exactly what the aluminum activator provides. How the Aluminum Activator Works Effectively removes oxide and passive layers Chemically activates the surface Improves wettability Enables uniform and stable metal deposition Result: strong adhesion and long-lasting coatings Key Benefits Essential for aluminum electroplating Simple, current-free application Significantly improved coating adhesion Uniform, defect-free plating results Compatible with all electroplating methods Compatible Coatings After activation, the surface is ready for: Copper Nickel Gold Silver Palladium Chrome Ideal as a base for multi-layer plating systems. Technical Specifications Application type: chemical pre-treatment (no current required) Function: oxide removal & surface activation Operating temperature: room temperature to slightly elevated Treatment time: depends on alloy and oxidation level Substrate: aluminum and aluminum alloys Post-treatment: rinse thoroughly with water Step-by-Step Instructions 1. Cleaning Remove grease, oil, and contaminants completely 2. Activation Immerse the workpiece in the aluminum activator 3. Reaction Oxide layer is chemically removed Surface becomes reactive and wettable 4. Rinsing Rinse thoroughly with clean water 5. Plating Immediately proceed with plating (e.g. copper or nickel) Important: Do not delay – aluminum re-oxidizes instantly Common Problems Without Pre-Treatment Poor adhesion Peeling or flaking coatings Uneven plating results Electrical contact issues Root cause in most cases: missing activation step Professional Tip In advanced applications, aluminum is often coated with an intermediate layer (e.g. zincate or copper strike) to further enhance adhesion and durability. Compatible Plating Methods Pen plating Brush / tampon plating Bath plating Typical Applications Jewelry and decorative finishes Automotive components Mechanical engineering Electronics Restoration and repair Safety Information Wear protective gloves and goggles Avoid skin contact Use in well-ventilated areas Store safely after use Conclusion – No Adhesion Without Proper Activation The aluminum activator is not optional—it is a critical step in aluminum electroplating. It ensures: strong adhesion uniform coatings professional, long-lasting results If you want to plate aluminum successfully, proper surface activation is mandatory. ideal for copper, nickel, and gold plating systems compatible with all electroplating setups suitable for beginners and professionals

Content: 0.1 Liter (€80.00 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €8.00
Nickel Remover

Nickel Remover (Nickel Stripper) – Fast, Selective Nickel Removal Without Electrolysis Remove Nickel Coatings Efficiently – Safe, Precise & Professional This high-performance nickel remover is a ready-to-use chemical solution designed for the selective removal of nickel plating from metals such as steel, copper, brass, and silver. No electrolysis required – making it ideal for electroplating, restoration, jewelry work, and industrial applications. Key Benefits at a Glance ✔ No electrolysis needed – works chemically without power supply ✔ Ready to use – no mixing or preparation ✔ Fast stripping rate – up to 50 µm/hour ✔ Selective removal – protects base materials ✔ High capacity – up to 40 g nickel per liter ✔ Low odor – more comfortable to use ✔ No toxic dust – safer than grinding or sanding ✔ Reusable solution – long bath life Typical Applications  Electroplating (rework & defect correction)  Jewelry & watchmaking (preparation for re-plating)  Restoration of metal objects  Industrial surface treatment & precision engineering Perfect for removing: Electroplated nickel coatings Electroless nickel (Ni-P) layers Technical Specifications Process type: chemical, non-electrolytic Operating temperature: 50–65 °C (optimal) Max. stripping rate: up to 50 µm/h Capacity: approx. 40 g Ni per liter Suitable base materials: Steel / iron Copper Brass Silver How to Use (Step-by-Step Guide) 1. Surface Preparation Thoroughly degrease the part Remove oils, grease, polishing residues, and oxides 2. Prepare the Bath Pour solution into a suitable container Heat to 50–65 °C Recommended materials: Borosilicate glass Ceramic / enamel Polypropylene 3. Stripping Process Fully immerse the workpiece Apply gentle agitation or movement Monitor the stripping process 4. After Treatment Remove part immediately once nickel is gone Rinse thoroughly with water (preferably deionized) 5. Cleaning & Finishing Remove residues using: ultrasonic cleaning soft mechanical wiping Pro Tips for Best Results ✔ Agitation significantly increases stripping speed ✔ Higher temperature = faster process (but shorter bath life) ✔ Process thick coatings in multiple cycles ✔ Test on a sample part when working with unknown alloys Common Issues & Solutions Slow stripping → Temperature too low or bath exhausted Uneven removal → Poor cleaning or no agitation Base metal attack → Exposure time too long Dark residues → Remove with ultrasonic or wiping Foaming or instability → Contamination in bath Safety Information Signal word: Warning May cause allergic skin reactions Wear protective gloves and eye protection Avoid skin contact and inhalation Environmental Information Contains dissolved nickel (heavy metal) Dispose of as hazardous waste according to local regulations Why Choose This Nickel Remover? Compared to mechanical or aggressive chemical methods, this product offers: Controlled, reproducible results Protection of base materials Improved safety and handling Professional-grade performance

Content: 0.25 Liter (€100.00 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €25.00
Rust Remover

Rust Remover from Betzmann Galvanik! Rust remover - Rust Ex from Betzmann GalvanikThe combination of effective chemicals and selected polishing agents results in a unique formula for reviving heavily corroded metal objects. Corrosion inhibitors prevent attack on non-corroded parts. Economical and easy to use. Ideal for treating large areas of iron, bronze, copper, steel, etc. Ingredients: AQUA, ALUMINA, HYDROCHLORIC ACID, fatty alcohol polyglycol ether, fatty acids, 2-propyn-1-ol, compound with methyloxirane, XANTHAN GUM, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE , prop-2-in-1-ol. Information on ingredients according to the Detergents Directive - Annex VII D, EC -648/2004 is available on the EU portal "European List of Cosmetic Ingredients".        GHS05 GHS07  Danger. Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation. If medical advice is needed, have packaging or label at hand. Keep out of the reach of children. Wear protective gloves / protective clothing / eye protection / face protection. Do not breathe vapor. IF ON SKIN (or hair): Remove all contaminated, soaked clothing immediately. Wash skin with water/shower. IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove existing contact lenses if possible. Continue to rinse. Contains: Fatty alcohol polyglycol ether, hydrochloric acid.  

Content: 0.1 Liter (€135.00 / 1 Liter)

Regular price: From €13.10