Abstract: A process and apparatus for electrolytically surface-coating special metal workpieces in which the electrolyte is conveyed in a controlled circuit in and around the electrolysis region in that most of it is conveyed at a high flow rate, at a higher inlet pressure, through the space between a cathodically connected workpiece and an anode and a smaller proportion of it is conveyed at a lower flow rate upwards to the rear of the anode away from the cathode. After leaving the electrolysis region the electrolyte is taken into a separate overflow tank and/or in the feed back system.