Abstract: The invention provides a process for electroless plating tin, lead or tin-lead alloy on copper or copper alloy using an electroless plating bath containing a water soluble tin and/or lead salt, an acid capable of dissolving the salts, and a complexing agent. The tin and/or lead content in the bath is maintained high enough to chemically deposit thick films by replenishing the tin and/or lead salt in proportion to an increase in concentration of copper ion dissolving out in the bath. Also provided is an electroless tin, lead or tin-lead alloy plating process in which a water soluble copper salt is added to a fresh bath.