[Rico_invents]

I am experimenting with nickel salts and plating solutions using easy to obtain acids.

I can’t seem to figure out what my solution of nickel and malic acid is producing.

[Enthalpy]

Electroplating needs very long experimentation before you get decent results, especially for the adhesion of the deposited layer on the base materials, also for the smoothness of the deposited layer. It's a good start to stick to working recipes.

[pcm81]

To be successful at plating you have to keep track of 4 important things: Surface prep, Surface prep, Surface prep and everything else.
If you have too high of current density or too low Nickel concentration you will have electrolysis taking place in the bath, resulting in formation and deposit of NiOH instead of pure nickel metal. This will show as dull deposit.

[biofm]

Something to consider here... How about a hydrazine nickel carboxylate salt for a nickel precursor?

[Mr. Deeds]

My father-in-law is retiring and is very interested in electroplating. He is a mechanic and has been dabbling in metal artwork made from kitchen utensils and such.
He is very good at it and I got him intrested in electroplating his sculptures. But I am a novice at this as well and would love some help/ideas on the right way to do this so we can learn about it together.

I have ACS nickel acetate crystals that are for making solution. But a few questions:

1. What is an ideal concentration of Nickel Acetate Tetrahydrate for electroplating?

2. Does the metal (let's say a fork) have to be plated with another metal before the nickel plating?

3. Does the anode I use have to be of the same metal as the salt solution?

4. Where  can I find information on how much current I need for any given metal I am playing with?

Many thanks!

[Enthalpy]

[...] hydrazine [...]

Is that any compatible with citizen chemistry?

[Enthalpy]

1. What is an ideal concentration of Nickel Acetate Tetrahydrate for electroplating?
4. Where  can I find information on how much current I need for any given metal I am playing with?

Literature will tell you, in the form of g/L or mol/L, A/dm² or mA/cm². Check whether the mass is given for tetrahydrate or anhydrous salt.

3. Does the anode I use have to be of the same metal as the salt solution?

That would be necessary to keep the solution composition constant, otherwise the solution must be replaced more often. Sometimes it's neglected or impossible. You can even use a graphite electrode.