Originally posted by Mattback
one way is to become an apprentice in the field, or talk to someone directly in it.
Or.... look it up on the internet...
http://www.goldcoastconnection.com/faq.htm
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.