# Electroplating: gold, silver and rhodium baths

> Electroplating coats a piece with a thin layer of another metal by electrolysis: gold, silver and rhodium baths; steps, thicknesses and care.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/electroplating-baths/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-07-23
- Updated: 2026-07-28
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/galvanoplastia-banos-galvanicos/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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In electroplating, the piece is immersed in a bath containing ions of another metal and current is passed through: the metal is deposited in an even layer, from tenths of a micron to several microns.

![Steps of the technique: Degrease, Activate, Connect, Deposit, Rinse, Dry and polish](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/galvanoplastia-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## Steps

1. Deep cleaning: degreasing and, often, electro-cleaning.
2. Activation, so the metal accepts the plating.
3. Electrolytic bath (gold, silver, rhodium, nickel…) with the right current and time.
4. Rinsing, drying and final polishing.

## Common baths

- **[Rhodium](https://www.711grados.com/en/rhodium/):** bright white over white gold and silver.
- **Gold:** in several shades.
- **Silver:** on costume jewelry and cutlery.
- **Black (rhodium or ruthenium):** dark finishes.

## Thicknesses

A very thin layer wears off soon; a thicker one lasts longer. Hence the different levels of plating.

## Safety

The baths contain toxic products (cyanides in some gold baths): this is work for specialized workshops.

## Step by step

1. **Degrease.** Clean the piece with detergent or ultrasonics.
2. **Activate.** Dip in a mild acid.
3. **Connect.** Hang the piece as the cathode.
4. **Deposit.** Apply current for the stated time.
5. **Rinse.** Rinse with deionized water.
6. **Dry and polish.** Dry and brighten with a cloth.

## Tools and materials

- Tank, rectifier and anodes
- Gold, silver or rhodium baths ([rhodium](https://www.711grados.com/en/rhodium/))
- Thermometer and agitator
- Protective equipment

## Common mistakes

- Greasy piece: the bath does not take.
- Excessive time or current: burnt deposit.
- Contaminating the bath with other metals.
- Not disposing of residues safely.

## See also

- [Rhodium](https://www.711grados.com/en/rhodium/)
- [Gilding: fire, leaf and electrogilding](https://www.711grados.com/en/gilding-fire-leaf-and-electro/)
- [Electroforming: hollow forms by electrolysis](https://www.711grados.com/en/electroforming/)
- [Gold plated, gold filled, vermeil and solid gold: differences](https://www.711grados.com/en/gold-plated-filled-vermeil-and-solid/)