an electrolytic process for metal - coating the surface of a workpiece of an electrically conductive material includes i ) providing an electrolytic cell with a cathode defining the surface of the workpiece and an anode ; ii ) introducing an electrolyte of an aqueous solution containing one or more water soluble compounds of the metal or metals to be deposited into the zone created between the anode and the cathode in a manner such that the cathode is bathed but not immersed in the electrolyte ; and iii ) applying a voltage between the anode and the cathode such that an electrical plasma arc is maintained between the anode and cathode during the deposition of the metal - coating onto the surface of the cathode .