Description
Key Selling Points
- Pen-type design applies plating solution directly to a specific area of the workpiece — plate worn spots, repairs, or accent areas without masking or immersing the entire piece
- Adjustable current output from 0 to 3.0A — dial in the correct current for each metal type and plating thickness requirement
- Supports gold, silver, copper, nickel, tin, and chrome plating from the same machine — change the plating solution and pen tip to switch between metals
- Output voltage range 2.0-13.0V with 65VA maximum consumption — sufficient power for jewelry-scale plating work without the footprint of a full tank plating system
- Complete kit includes plating cups, connection lines, clamps, and cup container — ready to use with the addition of plating solution (sold separately)
- Available in 110V and 220V to match your workshop power supply
About This Machine
Tank plating immerses the entire piece in a plating bath, which works well for uniform coverage but is impractical for repairs, touch-ups, or selective plating of specific areas. The pen-type plating approach is different — the plating solution is held in a small cup, the pen tip is dipped into the solution, and the tip is applied directly to the area you want to plate. Current flows through the tip to the workpiece, depositing the metal only where the tip makes contact.
This makes the Tooltos Pen-Type Plating Machine well suited for jewelry repair work (re-plating worn areas on rings, pendants, and bracelets), surface restoration on vintage pieces, adding gold or silver accents to specific design elements, and watch case and band re-plating. The adjustable current control lets you match the output to the metal being plated and the thickness required, from thin decorative gold layers to more durable base metal deposits.
Common Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Jewelry repair and restoration | Re-plate worn gold or silver areas on rings, pendants, and bracelets without full immersion |
| Local and selective plating | Plate specific areas or design elements without masking the rest of the piece |
| Custom two-tone finishing | Apply gold accents to silver pieces or create contrasting metal effects on jewelry designs |
| Watch case and band re-plating | Restore worn plating on watch cases, bands, and clasps |
| Prototype and sample finishing | Apply professional plating finish to sample pieces before committing to full production runs |
Best For / Not For
| Best For | Not For |
|---|---|
| Jewelry repair shops and studios needing local plating capability for repairs and touch-ups | Plating solutions not included — must be purchased separately from a jewelry supply store |
| Jewelers adding gold, silver, or copper accents to specific areas of a design | High-volume uniform plating of large batches — a tank plating system is more efficient for full-immersion batch work |
| Watch repair technicians re-plating cases and bands | Use without ventilation — plating solutions require a well-ventilated workspace |
Technical Specifications
| Input Voltage | 110V or 220V (select at checkout) |
| Frequency | 50-60Hz |
| Max Output Voltage | 2.0 - 13.0V |
| Max Output Current | 3.0A (adjustable from 0) |
| Max Power Consumption | 65VA |
| Plating Metals Supported | Gold, silver, copper, nickel, tin, chrome |
| Design | Ergonomic pen-type handpiece |
| Weight | 3.2kg (7.1 lb) |
Pro Tips
- Clean the jewelry surface thoroughly before plating — grease, oxidation, and residue on the base metal prevent proper adhesion and cause the plating to peel or flake. Use a degreaser and rinse with distilled water before starting.
- Start with a lower current setting and increase gradually — too high a current causes burning or uneven deposition. Find the correct setting for each metal by testing on scrap material first.
- Keep the pen tip moving in a slow, circular motion during application — holding the tip stationary concentrates the current in one spot and produces uneven plating thickness.
- Some base metals require a strike layer before the final plating metal — for example, plate a thin copper or nickel layer on steel before applying gold, as gold does not adhere well directly to steel.
- Replace plating solution when the color changes or plating quality decreases — depleted solution produces thin, uneven, or discolored deposits. Store solutions in sealed containers away from light between sessions.
- Practice on scrap metal of the same base material before plating a valuable piece — this lets you verify the current setting, tip speed, and solution condition before working on the actual workpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are plating solutions included?
No. Plating solutions (gold, silver, copper, nickel, etc.) are not included and must be purchased separately from a jewelry supply store. The machine, cups, connection lines, and clamps are included.
Can I plate over different base metals?
Yes, but some base metals require a strike layer first. Steel and iron typically need a copper or nickel base layer before gold plating, as gold does not adhere reliably directly to ferrous metals. Consult the plating solution manufacturer's instructions for base metal compatibility.
How thick is the plating layer?
Plating thickness depends on the current setting and the duration of application. Typical decorative jewelry plating is 0.5-2 microns. Longer application time at the correct current produces a thicker deposit.
Is this suitable for beginners?
The pen-type design is more intuitive than tank plating for localized work. However, electroplating involves chemical solutions that require proper handling. Read the user manual and plating solution safety instructions before starting, and practice on scrap metal before working on valuable pieces.
How long does plating solution last?
Solution life depends on usage volume and storage conditions. With moderate use, solutions typically last several months. Replace when the color changes significantly or plating quality decreases. Store in sealed containers away from light and heat.
What if I have questions after receiving the machine?
Contact the Tooltos team at sales@tooltos.com. We respond within 24 hours on business days and can assist with setup, current settings, and plating technique questions.
What's Included
- 1 x Pen-type plating machine (with 3 cups)
- 1 x Power line
- 1 x Anode and cathode connection line (with 2 accessories)
- 2 x Connection lines with clamps
- 1 x Cup container (with 4 cups)
- 1 x User manual
- Note: Plating solutions not included — purchase separately from a jewelry supply store
Support
Questions about plating solution compatibility, current settings, or order status? Contact the Tooltos team at sales@tooltos.com. We respond within 24 hours on business days.







