i want to electroplate a metal thing with copper, which, as we all know, can be done by any high school chemistry student -- put the metallic object to be electroplated and a chunk of copper in a strong CuSO4 (aq) bath and apply atleast (3V was it?) of electric current. be sure to have the chunk of copper as cathode and the metal object as anode.the problem is that this method of electroplating doesn't really leave a good finish on the object to be electroplated. i don't care if i need to sand and polish the thing, but the copper accumulation is REALLY UNEVEN... so how do i get a considerably good finish?
I think it depends on what you need it for, how thick you need the Cu layer. But yeah you can use a solution mixture of sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid diluted in DI water. Electronics grade Cu is also available in order to have a high purity Cu layer.(Note this might be really thin for what you are doing) Check Technic Inc.from RI they sell brighteners and other chemicals that will help the uniformity. If you are using a big chunk of copper, use a thin metal sheet that is larger than your item, a factor of 10 fold would be the safest bet. also putting your electrode in the center of the Cu would help a bit, though the resistance should be quite low... so that shouldn't be terrible.
I don't think you can get 'bright' copper plating. CU plating is usually very thin, just a 'flash' to go under nickel or cadmium or even silver or gold, to help it adhere. I have seen many shiny parts that were plated with cad, silver, gold, nickel, etc., of course they were polished first. But I have never seen shiny copper plating, it's always dull. I'm not sure why that is, but I think copper is too soft to do well as plating anyway.
