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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Gold plating from start to finish

I would like to learn about gold plating on non conductive surfaces. I need to know from start to finish how to do it and what is needed and where I can get supplies. Any info would help.

Thank you in advance for any replies.

Devonia Sagraves
hobbyist - French Lick, Indiana, USA
2003

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Unfortunately, this is an impossibly broad subject, Devonia. There is gilding as one technology, gold electroplating as another, electroless gold, PVD ion deposition, and others. Each fills books or whole library shelves. If you start with telling us exactly what you want to gold plate and why, we can hopefully get it down to something manageable. Depositing gold on semiconductor silicon is far different from putting gold on the rim of a china cup, which is far different from electroplating a leaf to make it a tree ornament--the technologies have almost nothing in common.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003

I want to do small pebbles, which is the best tech.?

Devonia Sagraves
hobbyist - French Lick, IN, USA
2003

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This is getting to be like pulling teeth, Devonia. You want to cover small pebbles or gravel with gold? For decorative purpose? No functionality required? No durability required? I'd guess that what you are looking for has a lot in common with the gold decoration you see on China? Then please see letter #40228. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003