Brass plating: brass electroplating application techniques

Brass plating, the decorative coating that protects metals

Brass plating is an electroplating treatment used to cover the surface of iron alloys with a layer of brass, for both decorative and protective purposes.

Since brass is composed of a copper-zinc alloy, brass plating is similar to galvanization (which, however, has no decorative characteristics) and copper plating.

The presence of copper, usually around 70%, determines the colour of the alloy, which tends towards yellow or red based on the specific concentration. Agitation of the objects in the baths leads to colours ranging from yellow-green to red, while quieter baths ensure a uniform, regular coat. Brass plating is mainly applied to furniture and hardware.

How does the brass plating process occur?

Brass plating is carried out using cyanide alkaline baths, which allow the copper and zinc alloy to deposit. It is more complex than copper plating and galvanizing, for which cyanide solutions are used. In order for the electroplating to occur uniformly, it is necessary to continuously check the composition of the solution, the bath temperature and current density.

Brass plating can be performed as an end in itself, that is, for decorative purposes, or as an intermediate step to prepare a surface for subsequent nickel plating. Brass plating is also used to make the adhesion of rubber to steel easier and more effective.

Fluoropolymer coatings, such as PEEK, Teflon PTFA, Teflon PFE, Rilsan and Vicote, which are part of Impreglon’s Halar® and TempCoat® systems, are all alternatives to brass plating. They share the ability to give metals the same characteristics, with the exception of decorative effects.