Abstract: An article includes a bi-colored metallic coating electrodeposited directly on a metallic cathode, such that a planar surface of the coating exhibits a visual first color when viewed from a first angle to the surface and a visual second and different color when viewed at a second angle to the surface. The electrode position is carried out from a bath which comprises ions selected from the group consisting of molybdenum(VI)-containing ions and (Ni(II)−+Zn(II))− containing ions, wherein the parameters ionic concentration, pH, bath temperature current density and current quantity are so selected that a bi-colored coating is obtained, provided that a current density is applied to the underplate as cathode within the range of 0.005 to 0.5 A/dm2.

Abstract: An article includes a colored electroplated metallic coating comprising both nickel and zinc, on an underplate of copper, brass, bright nickel or matt nickel, supported on a metallic or plastic substrate, various colors in the electroplated coating being exemplified. The electrolyte contains Ni2+, Zn2+, (NH4)+ and thiocyanate ions in specified concentrations, but no oxidative ion, color variation of the coating being achieved exclusively by variation of current density, time of the electroplating step and current quantity, provided that the current density at the cathode underplate is within the range of 0.01 to 0.5 A/dm2.