Copper plating can be used as a heat treatment stop-off shield, carburizing or decarburizing shield, an undercoat for nickel and other metals, or to prevent base metal migration into a tin layer. Copper in color and matte to a very shiny finish, it has good corrosion resistance when used as an undercoat. Several copper processes are available, each designed for a specific purpose: Bright, to eliminate buffing; High Speed, for electroforming; Fine Grain, to prevent case hardening, etc.

Specification: MIL-C-14550 Copper Plating, Electrodeposited (This spec has been cancelled, but is still in wide use.)

Specification: ASTM B 734 Standard Specification for Electrodeposited Copper for Engineering Uses

Specification: AMS 2418 Plating, Copper