Mirrorlike polished surfaces can be obtained on silver, sterling silver, gold alloys, copper, and brass by electropolishing in cyanide electrolytes. The optimum current density and agitation rate to obtain a brilliant polish varies widely with the metal being polished. For silver and silver plate a current density range of 1.1–2.8 ASD at 45 cm/min is necessary; for copper and brass the range is 2–8 ASD at 1300–2600 cm/min. Agitation is not critical in gold alloy electropolishing because the very high current density (>250 ASD) induces copious gassing. Rapid periodic movement of sterling silver into and out of the polishing bath within a current density range of 10–16 ASD is required to mirror polish this alloy.
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