Electroplating 3D printed parts in 2026

[Fatdog]

Here's a fairly recent video that YouTube suggested for me. I'm not sure how many have already seen it, but I know quite a few collectors have always wondered about electroplating plastic parts. It looks like the method has finally been mastered.

 

[Tinman]

Looks good but a lot of work cleaning the liquid afterwards.
I'm assuming that the plating wouldn't get underneath the wires where they were contacting the dice.
I wonder if that's what most of the "imperfections" were that he was mentioning?

 

[Superduper]

Interesting. Not sure any of those chemicals are available here in the states, and where I'm located, there's no hazardous materials disposal sites either so keeping the unused or waste material is problematic. Lastly, this is obviously a labor of love for a dedicated restorer. For most, I would venture to guess it's far to much work. Also, I think the guy has done a lot of trial and error. So while he made it look quite easy (albeit a ton of work), a newbie would have to go through that same learning curve and process.

 

[Reli]

Yeah, I shudder to imagine how he's disposing of those chemicals. Reminds me of the people who still think it's OK to use engine cleaner solvents and then rinse it off into the storm drain