Expert: Henry Boyter - 3/19/2009

Question
I purchase a gift item and re-sell it to gift shops. The item is a real leaf that has been treated (supposedly with an acid) the deteriorates the flesh of the leaf, leaving the vein structure intact. It is then painted with a copper conductive paint and electroplated. It gives the leaf a pretty "filigree" appearance.I want to be able to do the pre-electroplating process on my own leaves. A supplier of plating chemicals will sell me the copper conductive paint, but I do not know what kind of an acid will eat away the flesh of the leaf. Can you give me a suggestion along with safety procedures? Just FYI, I have been purchasing the finished product for a number of years, and the man who produces them is retiring. His son and daughter are taking his place. However, they have raised prices considerably and they are haphazard and make too many mistakes with my orders. I am a recent divorcee, and I need to learn to do this myself to make it economically feasible to continue. My gift sales supplement my small income. I have seen how my supplier processes the leaves, but he is not willing to tell me what kind of acid he uses. I have seen that he lays dried leaves between a few layers of paper towels, and this is done in a well ventilated area. There was no noticeable smell. I would be very grateful for any suggestions you might have. And I would be willing to experiment if you can give me some safety guidelines. Thank you so much...Laurie

Answer
It could be several things including sulfuric acid.

realscience.breckschool.org/upper/fruen/files/research/1999/ElectroCu.doc

http://www.pwista.com/LABs/electroplate%20leaf.pdf


Sulfuric acid is very dangerous.  You may not be able to buy concentrated, but car battery acid may work.

http://msds.chem.ox.ac.uk/SU/sulfuric_acid_concentrated.html

http://www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/oii/sulfuricacid/

http://www.hazard.com/msds/mf/cards/file/0362.html