Backwards Electrolysis

Hello Friends,
Have a question here about electrolysis.
Isn't it also the same as backward plating?
I mean when you clean up a relic you put negative polarity on it and the molecules go to the positive metal?
If so, then why can't you put negative on a metal and have it plate the positive one?

In my case, my son is in the military and cannot get a certain small item.
I think original is made of 400 series stainless steel and hardened.
I can get one made from a hardened steel but it would rust in a bad climate.
Was thinking about using a nickle for a sacrificial anode and trying to plate the steel.

If I cannot get a hardened steel item, was thinking about a combo of nickle and carbide for the negative anodes. Any comments?

Grey

What your after is called Electro plating.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroplating

To protect Iron often Zinc is used.

Not sure how much nickle is in a US 5 cent piece or how much zinc is in a modern penny.

Grey

You don't have to use coins...

You don't have to use coins...

Well that is true.
Last time I was at grocery store I couldn't find pure zinc or nickle.
Except in vitamin pills.

Wait, I just remembered they had "sacrificial" zinc at the boating supply store.
For those who don't know, a chunk of zinc is attached to the underwater part of a boat because seawater makes a good electrolyte and will eat bronze fittings, propellers, etc.
The zinc goes away instead when used like this.

But a US nickle costs, um, 5 cents, and a new penny is even cheaper.

If any of you have tried to buy boat parts, you know they are expensive.

Wouldn't it be possible to for scrap metall? Cheap. 

I think you can buy Anodes for water heaters. they are made of zink as well and used for cathodic protection of your hot water tank. Most hardware stores carry them.