Electroplating is an integrated sequence that requires high-quality chemical inputs at every step. From surface preparation to finishing, every product used has a direct impact on the result.

Boreto & Cardoso®, with 53 years of experience in the chemical market (since 1972), supplies 13 specialized products for electroplating jewelry, fashion jewelry (gold-plated jewelry) and costume jewelry, with complete technical documentation.

This guide presents the complete portfolio of inputs for the entire electroplating process, with a focus on quality and traceability.

Executive Summary

  • 13 specialized products for every step of the electroplating process
  • Complete portfolio: Acids, alkalis, inorganic salts, oxidizers and lacquers
  • Guaranteed quality: Products from certified suppliers
  • Full traceability: SDS, certificates of analysis and lot control
  • 53 years of experience (since 1972) in the chemical market

Contents

  1. The Electroplating Process: An Integrated View
  2. Step 1: Surface Preparation
  3. Step 2: Plating Baths
  4. Step 3: Finishing and Protection
  5. Quality and Traceability
  6. Technical Documentation
  7. Complete Boreto & Cardoso® Portfolio
  8. Frequently Asked Questions
  9. How to Request a Quote

The Electroplating Process: An Integrated View

3 Fundamental Steps

Electroplating of jewelry, fashion jewelry and costume jewelry follows a strict technical sequence:

1. Surface Preparation

  • Cleaning and degreasing
  • Pickling to remove oxides
  • Activation of the metal surface

2. Plating Baths

  • Electrodeposition of precious metals
  • Controlled application (gold, silver, rhodium)
  • Certified inputs allow precise control

3. Finishing and Protection

  • Application of technical lacquers
  • Corrosion protection
  • Final quality control

Why Each Step Matters

Each step of the electroplating process depends on the one before it. Poor preparation compromises the adhesion of the plating. A poor-quality bath results in a deficient finish. That is why high-quality chemical inputs are essential throughout the process.

The Supplier's Role

A full-range supplier offers:

  • Products for every step
  • Guaranteed compatibility between products
  • Complete documentation
  • Lot traceability

Step 1: Surface Preparation

Pickling and Cleaning

Proper surface preparation is essential for the adhesion of the plating.

Acids for Pickling:

1. Hydrochloric Acid

  • Application: Removal of oxides and impurities
  • Concentration: Technical, for industrial use
  • Characteristic: Fast, efficient action

2. Nitric Acid

  • Application: Pickling of stainless steels and special alloys
  • Characteristic: Controlled oxidizing action
  • Use: Preparation of special surfaces

3. Sulfuric Acid

  • Application: Pickling of iron and steel
  • Characteristic: Precise process control
  • Use: Industrial surface preparation

Alkalis for Degreasing:

1. Caustic Soda (Flakes)

  • Application: Alkaline degreasing
  • Advantage: High concentration, controlled dissolution
  • Use: Deep cleaning of surfaces

2. Caustic Soda (Solution)

  • Application: Ready-to-use degreasing
  • Advantage: Standardized concentration
  • Use: Processes with a defined dosage

Why Preparation Matters

A poorly prepared surface results in:

  • Poor plating adhesion
  • Stains and imperfections
  • Premature peeling
  • Rework and material loss

A well-prepared surface ensures:

  • Excellent adhesion
  • A uniform finish
  • Longer durability
  • Superior final quality

Step 2: Plating Baths

Inorganic Salts and Electrolytes

Plating baths require high-purity salts for controlled electrodeposition.

Salts for Baths:

1. Copper Sulfate

  • Application: Electrolytic copper baths
  • Purity: Industrial technical grade
  • Characteristic: Complete dissolution, free of impurities

2. Light Soda Ash

  • Application: pH regulator in alkaline baths
  • Characteristic: High-purity sodium carbonate
  • Use: Precise alkalinity control

3. Barium Chloride

  • Application: Complexing agent in special baths
  • Characteristic: Controlled purity
  • Use: Specific plating processes

4. Zinc Powder

  • Application: Zinc and zinc alloy baths
  • Characteristic: Controlled particle size
  • Use: Zinc electrodeposition

Why Input Purity Matters

Certified inputs allow:

  • Precise concentration calculations in the baths
  • Process reproducibility
  • Consistent quality control

Why purity is critical:

  • Impurities compromise the electrolytic bath
  • Contaminants cause stains and defects
  • Known purity allows precise technical adjustments

Step 3: Finishing and Protection

Oxidizers and Treatments

Oxidizers control finishing and surface treatment processes.

Available Oxidizers:

1. Sodium Hypochlorite

  • Application: Controlled oxidation, bleaching
  • Concentration: Stable and standardized
  • Use: Finishing processes

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

  • Application: Mild oxidation, specific processes
  • Characteristic: Industrial technical grade
  • Use: Specialized treatments

3. Polyaluminum Chloride

  • Application: Coagulant for wastewater treatment
  • Characteristic: High efficiency
  • Use: Treatment of process water

Lacquers and Technical Additives

Specialized Lacquers:

  • Corrosion protection
  • Finish and gloss
  • Longer durability

Technical Additives:

  • Adhesion promoters
  • Brighteners and levelers
  • Auxiliary products

Contact us for the availability of specific products

Quality and Traceability

Certified Inputs Allow Precise Control

Electroplating of jewelry and fashion jewelry requires precise process control. Chemical inputs with certified purity let your electroplating shop perform precise calculations and quality control with confidence.

How analytical grade (P.A.) inputs make control easier:

  • Known purity: allows precise consumption calculations
  • Lot traceability: makes it easier to identify deviations
  • Certified analyses: ensure reproducibility
  • Complete documentation: supports audits and certifications

Complete Traceability

Every Boreto & Cardoso® product has:

✅ A unique lot code

  • Individual identification
  • Complete history
  • Traceable origin

✅ A complete certificate of analysis

  • Physicochemical parameters
  • Laboratory results
  • Technical specifications

✅ An SDS updated in line with ABNT (the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards)

  • Safety Data Sheet
  • Handling information
  • Emergency procedures

✅ Manufacturing and transport history

  • Production conditions
  • Proper storage
  • Documented transport

Certified Suppliers

Boreto & Cardoso® works exclusively with suppliers that have:

✅ ISO 9001:2015 certification

  • Quality management systems
  • Regular audits
  • Proven compliance

✅ Independent third-party analyses

  • External validation
  • Additional assurance
  • Technical credibility

Technical Documentation

SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

Mandatory for all products:

  • Product and company identification

  • Hazard identification

  • Composition and information on ingredients

  • First aid measures

  • Firefighting measures

  • Accidental release measures

  • Handling and Storage

  • Exposure controls and personal protection

  • Physical and chemical properties

  • Stability and reactivity

  • Toxicological information

  • Ecological information

  • Disposal considerations

  • Transport information

  • Regulatory information

  • Other information

Certificates of Analysis

For every lot supplied:

  • Lot identification
  • Manufacturing and expiry dates
  • Parameters analyzed
  • Results obtained
  • Technical specifications
  • Analysis method used
  • Responsible chemist

Technical Specifications

Detailed documentation:

  • Chemical composition
  • Guaranteed purity
  • Concentration
  • Density and pH
  • Solubility
  • Recommended applications
  • Chemical compatibilities
  • Storage conditions

Complete Boreto & Cardoso® Portfolio

13 Specialized Products for Electroplating

Acids (3 products):

  1. Hydrochloric Acid
  2. Nitric Acid
  3. Sulfuric Acid

Alkalis (2 products):

  1. Caustic Soda, flakes
  2. Caustic Soda, solution

Inorganic Salts (4 products):

  1. Light soda ash
  2. Barium chloride
  3. Copper sulfate
  4. Zinc powder

Oxidizers (2 products):

  1. Sodium hypochlorite
  2. Hydrogen peroxide

Treatment (1 product):

  1. Polyaluminum chloride

Lacquers and Additives (1 category):

  1. Technical lacquers for finishing and protection

We source other products on request

Advantages of a Complete Portfolio

✅ Simplified logistics

  • One order, one delivery, one invoice
  • Less administrative time
  • Easier scheduling

✅ Consolidated documentation

  • Complete SDSs for all products
  • Certificates organized by lot
  • Integrated traceability

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between microns and coating thickness?

Microns (μm) measure the thickness of the deposited layer (1 micron = 0.001 millimeter), while the deposited mass can be measured by the electroplating shop in grams. In jewelry electroplating, controlling thickness and mass is important for quality and traceability. Analytical grade (P.A.) inputs with certified purity let your electroplating shop perform precise calculations for process control.

2. Why is traceability important?

Traceability lets you:

  • Identify the source of problems
  • Prove quality in audits
  • Meet customer requirements
  • Control process costs
  • Ensure technical compliance

3. Do all products come with an SDS?

Yes. All Boreto & Cardoso® chemical products include an SDS (Safety Data Sheet) updated in line with ABNT, with complete information on handling, storage and emergencies.

4. How do I request specific products?

Contact our technical team and tell us:

  • The electroplating process you use
  • The products you need
  • Approximate volumes
  • Purchase frequency
  • Delivery address

5. Do you serve small electroplating shops?

Yes. We serve electroplating shops of all sizes, with flexible volumes and packaging. Our 53 years of experience include supplying operations of many different sizes.

6. What is the delivery lead time?

Lead times vary by region and availability. Products in stock are delivered quickly. Contact our team for the specific lead time in your region.

8. Do you carry products other than those listed?

Yes. We source specialized products on request. Get in touch and tell us your specific needs.

How to Request a Quote

Information Needed:

For a tailored quote, please provide:

  1. Products required
    • List of inputs needed
    • Technical specifications
  2. Quantities
    • Approximate volume per product
    • Purchase frequency (monthly, quarterly)
  3. Process
    • Type of plating
    • Metals applied
    • Production volume
  4. Delivery
    • Delivery address
    • Desired lead time

Contacts:

Head office (Santana de Parnaíba/SP):

  • Email: boreto@boreto.com.br
  • Phone: (11) 3931-1722 | (11) 2366-6260
  • WhatsApp: (11) 99108-2229 | (11) 94541-0088 | (11) 91311-3528 | (19) 97685-0233
  • Address: R. Alagoas, 30 - Recanto Silvestre, Santana de Parnaíba - SP, 06530-245

Branch (Limeira/SP):

  • Phone: (19) 99458-6331
  • WhatsApp: (19) 99557-1693
  • Address: R. Aratibá, 759 - Centro Industrial de Limeira (CIL), Limeira - SP, 13481-208

Business Hours:

  • Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Conclusion

Electroplating of jewelry, fashion jewelry and costume jewelry requires high-quality chemical inputs at every step. From surface preparation to final finishing, every product has a direct impact on the result.

Benefits of a full-range supplier:

✅ Integrated portfolio: 13 products for the entire process
✅ Guaranteed quality: Certified suppliers
✅ Full traceability: SDS, certificates, lot control
✅ Simplified logistics: One supplier, one delivery
✅ 53 years of experience: In the chemical market since 1972

Boreto & Cardoso® offers a complete range of chemical inputs for electroplating, with complete technical documentation, full traceability and guaranteed quality.

Get in touch for a tailored quote.

📞 Request a quote for electroplating inputs: 📞 (11) 3931-1722 | 📧 boreto@boreto.com.br

© 2025 Boreto & Cardoso®: Suppliers of Specialty Chemical Inputs since 1972

Note to the reader
This article brings together technical information drawn from various sources, with the aim of broadening knowledge about the raw materials mentioned.
It is informational material only and does not represent any application, formulation or direct use recommendation on the part of Boreto & Cardoso.
Boreto & Cardoso®, with 53 years of experience, operates strictly as a supplier of chemical inputs for a wide variety of applications, and each user is responsible for verifying the suitability and compliance of their application.