Originally posted by Mattback
one way is to become an apprentice in the field, or talk to someone directly in it.

power supply is designed to operate with positive and negative polarity. In addition, a totally automatic voltage to amps control system is provided. The negative output lead from the DC power supply is firmly attached to the work-piece. The positive output lead from the power supply is connected to a hand-held plating tool with an attached anode wrapped in absorbent material which acts as a reservoir to hold the concentrated solution. When this positively charged material is brought into contact with the grounded piece, the electrolytic cell is completed and metal is electro-deposited onto the work piece.