VIDEO: How To Use Silver Plating Solution

What is silver plating solution?

Silver plating solution is for plating and re-plating silver and most other metals. It can also be used on metal household items to give a new shiny silver coating. The unique formula (formerly called Sheffco Silver Solution but now re-branded as Walsh Silver Plating Solution using the same formula and made in the UK) adds pure silver to silverplate as well as hard base metals.

On this page we will share with you a tutorial on how to apply silver plating solution and also answer all your questions about using the solution and give our best tips and advice for getting the best results. 

Watch our video tutorial on how to apply silver plating solution...

Step 1

Ensure that the surface of your item is clean with no dirt or grit by giving the surface a quick polish.

Step 2

Shake the bottle well to distribute contents. Pour some of the solution on to a clean cloth (ensure you are wearing gloves to avoid staining!).

Step 3

Apply liberally with a clean cloth or soft sponge. Darkening often occurs as the transfer of silver takes place.

Step 4

Apply liberally with a clean cloth or soft sponge. Darkening often occurs as the transfer of silver takes place.

Finished

Buff lightly with a soft cloth. A beautiful shine will appear and the silver plating process is complete. If necessary, re-apply to badly worn areas or to increase the thickness of the silver. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Silver Plating Solution

What can I use Silver Plating On?

You can use this silver plating solution on silverplate, plus most hard base metals such as brass, copper, bronze and nickel. It will not work on soft base metals such as pewter and lead. It can be used for re-plating tired looking silver plated jewellery as well as being ideal for bringing back some sparkle to dull looking metals such as silver plated table-wear and cutlery and silver plated photo or picture frames. Alternatively if you have some costume jewellery in brass, copper or bronze, you can transform it into a silver colour for a new lease of life.

How durable is the silver plating?

The plating result is permanent and will not chip, flake or peel. However, if it is a piece of jewellery you have applied it to then it will depend on the amount of wear and how much friction it comes into contact with (as with all silver plated jewellery items). Likewise if you polish it excessively you will also wear the plating away, but it can easily be re-applied. 

Can I polish items that I’ve silver plated?

Yes you can. We’d recommend using our jewellery polishing cloth and gently polishing the item back to a high shine. If you polish the item too hard or too frequently the plating may begin to wear through, but if this happens you can easily just re-plate the item again.

Is it easy to use?

Yes, very! It literally takes seconds to transform an item. You don't need any technical knowledge or silversmithing experience, and the only equipment you do need is a soft cloth! 

Is silver plating solution safe to use?

The silver plating solution is non-toxic and odour free. It is recommended you wear gloves and cover work surfaces to avoid possible staining (you may find you end up with stained yellowy fingers otherwise!).

Does it create a thick layer on the metal?

No. The plating is a molecular reaction which bonds the silver particles to the metal. You will not notice a visible layer, as you would with paint for instance, but you will see the colour of the metal transform. The finish will depend on the texture of the metal you apply it to - so a textured metal will keep its texture.

Will it make polish the metal from matt to a high shine?

This is a plating solution not a polishing solution. The finish will depend on the level of polish on the metal before plating. So if you apply it to a highly polished copper item your finish will be a highly polished silver, if however you apply it to a matt or satin-finished metal, the finish will still be matt or satin. You may notice some improvement in the shine as you buff it with a soft cloth after applying, and many worn plated metals will look much shinier simply because you have rejuvenated the silver plate. But it will not change the texture of the metal.

What is the shelf life of the solution?

As long as it isn’t opened, the silver plating solution doesn’t have a shelf life. Once opened, however, it depends on how much you have used and therefore how much air is in the bottle - air will slowly cause the solution to dry out. Having said that, members of staff here have bottles which have been open and used for 3+ years which are still going strong!

Is silver plating solution the same as electroplating?

Our silver plating solution offers an easy at home solution for re-plating and plating suitable metals. Electroplating is a different process which requires specialist equipment. Electroplating can also be used to plate items that would not ordinarily be able to be plated, by coating prior to plating with a layer of electrically conducting metal such a copper, which allows it to be silver plated. 

To view our silver plating solution click here. 

For any further advice regarding the contents on this page or for any other general jewellery making enquires, please feel free to get in touch, we would love to hear from you

Will Silver Plating Solution Prevent Allergic Reactions?

We often get asked whether applying silver plating solution to copper jewellery will prevent your skin from reacting to the metal. It is unlikely the solution will provide enough to stop the reaction however you can apply a layer of midas seal lacquer to your jewellery, to provide a barrier between the metal and your skin.

Although not marketed for the purpose of preventing allergies, the midas provides a clear, hard, abrasion-resistant finish to your jewellery and metal pieces. The team at Kernowcraft have used midas successfully to prevent allergic reactions from metals on belt buckles. poppers and watch backs.

If you have any further questions, feel free to call our friendly team who will be more than happy to give you some advice through Facebook, Twitter, Email or simply calling us on 01872 573888 8.30am-4.30pm.

Alternatively, for more information and how to's on all areas of jewellery making visit our other Gemstone Setting Advice pages.