Q&A for How to Gold Plate

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Yes, you can.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.