How do you copper plate

I, like alot of other people around the country are laid off. I'm trying to save some money and work on my truck at the same time. I would love to copper plate a few items but not having much luck with it. I've been all over the internet looking for info. Tried a few experiments, but all failed. Can someone break it down and tell me what I need to buy. Thanks to all for replies.

 

Your local chrome plater can do it.
It's a bit cheaper than chrome, but not by much.

 

What parts are you wanting to plate? and what do you know about prepping the parts? google Caswell, they sell home kits for plating & have a web site that can answer your questions.

 

A cheap way I found, but not sure how long it will last. I have yet to try it.

http://steampunkworkshop.com/altoid-etch.shtml

I have not looked at where to buy blue vitrol though.

 

i remember coating a few things in college chem cl***.
Was jsut copper sulphate and a battery charger

 

Yup, that's what the guy did in the link above. Looks like that stuff is pretty cheap.

 

i dont think that works with steel though it doesnt stick too well, at least when i tried, works good on quarters

 

Isn't an altoids tin steel?

 

Hope this helps

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/plugnplate.htm
They have everything you need