4. Surface Activation and When Nickel Strike Is Appropriate

Activation

Activation removes or disrupts thin surface oxides immediately before plating so the nickel can bond to active metal. Activation must match the substrate. Too weak may leave oxide; too aggressive may attack the base metal or create smut.

Use the activation product manufacturer’s time, temperature, and handling instructions.

Transfer time

Minimize delay between activation and the next electrochemical step. Drying or extended air exposure can allow oxide to reform.

What a nickel strike does

A nickel strike is a specialized adhesion-promoting nickel process used before the main nickel deposit on difficult or passive substrates. It is not simply a stronger version of a decorative nickel bath.

When a strike may be appropriate

• Stainless steel
• Passive nickel surfaces
• Certain difficult alloys
• Rework where a compatible strike is specified
• Processes where the chemistry supplier explicitly calls for a strike

When a strike is not a substitute

A strike does not fix oil, polishing compound, scale, bad electrical contact, or incorrect substrate preparation.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel rapidly forms a passive chromium-rich oxide film. A suitable activation/strike sequence is commonly required to obtain reliable adhesion. Use a validated stainless-steel process sequence rather than improvising.

Proprietary chemistry boundary

This handbook intentionally does not publish nickel strike formulations, ingredient lists, manufacturing concentrations, or preparation procedures.

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