Thread: Preserving the gold wash on razors

Just picked up a nice Dovo with some lovely gold wash (I'm assuming it's gold wash and not electroplate). I have a few vintage razors that once had gold accents that are now long worn off, so I'm wondering: is there anything that can be done about the gold wearing off with time/use?
Thanks much,
Joe

Gold wash is very delicate. Careful use and cleaning is about all you can do. It does wear away extremely easily. I have a couple with gold wash and it does deteriorate with use. Aside from a hermetically sealed display case I'm thinking its just the way it goes.

RezDog is right. It is very hard to preserve because of it's ease to come off. Best bet is to touch it as least as possible with your hands or anything else.

JoeBass,

You could try gently painting the gold washed areas with a thin coat of lacquer (such as a clear polyurethane).

I know a chap that did this on his target pistol - he lacquered the gold washed areas, and the blued parts around the grip & frame : iit worked surprisingly well

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Just don't touch it and you will be fine :<0)

The lacquer coating sounds good until it chips, and it will, then you have to take it off and re apply. How do you do that and save the gold ?

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Just don't touch it and you will be fine :<0)

The lacquer coating sounds good until it chips, and it will, then you have to take it off and re apply. How do you do that and save the gold ?

I'd think dipping the blade in lacquer thinner until it all melts off and re-applying would work without hurting the gold wash. Just have to use in a well ventilated area and be careful to keep the thinner and fumes away from the scales.