Things You'll Need
Acetone
Distilled water
Rectifier & leads with alligator clips
Glass container
Electroplating solution
Rubber gloves
Gold plating is way to get the look of gold at a fraction of the cost. Most nonferrous metals can be gold plated. Gold-plated silver is termed vermeil and is often used in making fashion jewelry. It isn't complicated to gold plate small projects with a rectifier and gold electroplating solution. Large gold-plating projects require expensive, specialized equipment that is cost prohibitive for most jewelry makers who work at home or in a small metalsmithing studio.
Step 1
Clean the metal you plan to gold plate with soap and water.
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Step 2
Use an alligator clip to attach the positive lead of the rectifier to the metal object supplying the gold electroplating solution.
Step 3
Use an alligator clip to attach the negative lead of the rectifier to the metal jewelry or object you are gold plating.
Step 4
Pour the gold electrolyte solution into a glass container large enough to hold the item you plan to gold plate. Be sure the plated item is completely suspended in the plating solution and does not touch the bottom or sides of the container.
Step 5
Turn on the rectifier according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The low voltage of direct current causes metal ions to deposit the gold plating on the metal object. Leave the item in the gold plating solution until it is plated to the thickness you want.
Step 6
Gold plating isn't an exact science. Adjust the rectifier as needed until the item is plated. Record the voltage and time to replicate results.
Warning
Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the chemicals used to gold plate.
Use caution when working with electrical currents.
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