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Gold Plating on Top of Chrome Layer

Q. Does anybody know of a commercially available gold plating process that can be plated over the top of chrome? I am looking to maintain the chrome layer to improve the corrosion resistance of the finished product. We have carried out in-house trials on some gold strike solutions and as expected had problems with adhesion (mainly in the low current areas). Does the concept of maintaining the chrome layer to improve corrosion resistance make sense?

Tim Strickland
- Auckland, New Zealand
2001

A. In my opinion it makes no sense plating gold over chrome.

Corrosion resistance of chrome depends on layer of chromium oxide formed on the chrome, if you plate it with gold you loose this protection completely. Better try nickel under your gold.

Regards Marcus

Marcus Hahn
- Sachseln, Switzerland
2001

A. We gold plate on top of chrome routinely using a proprietary solution for brush plating. Brush plating allows us to maintain a high current density on the parts. In my experience, gold strikes do not work very well. I have had some limited success using this solution in a tank but it works every time brush plating as long as the part is clean and the current is high.

It does help with corrosion protection.

Feel free to contact me for further details.

Terry Collins
Gold Touch Inc.

Cleveland, Ohio

2001

A. Dear Sir,

Brush Plating would be an option to consider for this application.

Regards,

Bryan McCrystal
- Perth, WA, Australia
2001