Clean the object being electroplated. Clean with an automotive degreaser to remove fingerprints and dirt; then rinse with distilled water. Next, clean with an acidic cleanser, such as one containing hydrochloric or sulfuric acid.
Wear gloves, for safety purposes. Pour nickel electroplating solution into the nonreactive bath, and place the bath on top of the stir plate. Drop a magnetic stir bar into the bath. Constant stirring ensures even deposition of nickel on the surface of the material.
Place the object being electroplated into the bath. Depending on the manufacturer's instructions, you may need to leave the object in the bath for any time between 15 minutes and an hour. Objects being electroplated for indoor decorating applications require lower electroplating time, whereas objects requiring higher corrosion resistance must be electroplated for longer periods of time.
Remove the object from the bath at the appropriate time. If necessary, apply a trisodium or phosphate finish (provided by the manufacturer, if needed). Rinse the object with distilled water.