Effects of formalin on tin plating in acidic tin plating bath were studied through measurements of the differential capacity. The addition of 0.3g/l benzalacetone and 5ml/l formalin into the plating bath showed the finest brightening effect. By increasing the additional amount of formalin, the desorption potential on differential capacity-potential curves was shifted to possitive potential, and the potential range which indicated the adsorption was narrowed. Formalin behaved as the assistant of the brightening agent in acidic tin plating.