Q&A for How to Gold Plate

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How do I make gold plating?

Community Answer

It is better, cheaper (It costs a lot to make), and easier to buy commercially processed gold plating solution rather than than to use electro-chemical processes to make ultra-thin gold plate.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 52
Question

Is it possible to put gold plating on something other than metal, for instance, cardboard?

Community Answer

It's possible to plate other things, for example glass. But you need to use a conductive paint first. As the item will be in a water bath, cardboard will not hold up.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 16
Question

Does it work for rings? Will it rust off when in contact with skin and sweat for a long time?

Community Answer

Considering that gold a noble metal, it is highly unlikely that it will oxidize under standard conditions. It is important to note that the coating of gold will be extremely thin and susceptible to scratches. As a result, avoid using this process on items that will be exposed to rough surfaces. However, the oils on your skin and sweat will have no effect.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 27
Question

How do I plate something that's already been plated?

Community Answer

An object that is already electrochemically plated can be plated again just the same as it was originally. Depending on what metal the current plating is, the gold may adhere better or worse than normally. Gold plating an object that has recently been gold plated will do very little, just make the layer of gold thicker and maybe cover up any scratches.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
Question

Will the piece of jewelry be plated forever with the gold?

Community Answer

No, it will not. Abrasion from use will remove most of the micron thickness of gold plating.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 13
Question

Is it possible to gold plate aluminum studs?

Tom Oldani

Community Answer

Yes, but it's very difficult compared to other metals. You have to plate aluminum first with zinc, then with copper, then with nickel before plating it with gold.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 8
Question

Can a computer or handheld device be gold plated without ruining it?

Community Answer

The process would almost certainly ruin your device, your best option would be to find a metal case and gold plate that.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 8
Question

I have a pocketbook that is in excellent condition, except that the gold-colored handles are just rubbed off. Can I cover them with the gold plating?

Community Answer

It depends on the material of the pocketbook. If it is old and means a lot to you and you can't get the handles off without damage, then don't.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
Question

Can I gold plate an inflatable balloon?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

How long would I leave a piece in the solution for a one-micron thickness?

Community Answer

The length of time needed for a given thickness will vary based on a number of factors. If this information is not included with your kit (or you are not working from a kit), try contacting the manufacturer of your solution for more information about your specific setup.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6
Question

Does gold plating remove slight scratches?

Tom Oldani

Community Answer

No. The surface condition of your item coming out will be the same as it was going in, at best. It is possible to use a technique called "electropolishing" to do what you want, but that can only do so much.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 2
Question

Can I gold plate directly onto copper?

Community Answer

Yes, but you need to clean it to get rid of any grease and impurities. You also need to activate the copper.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

About how much does a kit cost?

Community Answer

Anywhere from $250+ (Kit Inc Solution). The most expensive part is usually the solution where 50ML can go for $60+ (depending on the strength). You can search on eBay to give more of an idea.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

How was gold plating done in ancient times?

Community Answer

It was done with gold leaf. Gold was hammered into very thin sheets and applied to objects or the gold was powdered and made into a paint.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0