The invention relates to a method for the electrolytic plating of an article. The method comprises an alloying stage, in which the article is coated with an alloy containing zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and tin (Sn), by immersion in an electrolyte solution containing zinc, copper and tin salts. The method is characterized in that the articles are also provided with antibacterial properties in the alloying stage by introducing a silver compound into the electrolyte solution. Said silver compound is a silver salt, and the amount in which the silver salt is added lies within the range of 0.5-1.5 g per litre of electrolyte solution.
