How do you clean gold plate?

I got a Gold Bug on E-bay and not sure how to clean gold plated parts of the razor. I read that metal cleaners would do damage to plating. What options do I have?

Thanks

Michael

I am afraid you may not have a choice in the matter; removing tarnish from gold plated items is a vexed issue for restorers. Remove the unwanted tarnish by whatever means and the gold goes with it.
I hear the plate on these razors is so thin rubbing with sweaty fingers can remove the gold, however you could try soap and water and a soft cloth (no scrubbing pads), that way if there is just dirt on the blade it will clean up a bit.

Now you could possibly clean it all off and re-plate... I believe one of our members can re-plate for you... I don't remember his ID now but someone will post in a bit.

BTW that gold bug is in much better condition than most I have seen, personally, I would leave it as is, the small amount of tarnish mixed with the intact gold wash gives it great character.

Here are two more shots from the vendor. The razor is on it's way to Canada.

I'd just learn to live with it. The rest of the blade is so good, you need to feel the history of it somehow!

Here ya go

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...ight=replating

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...storation.html

Hardness of Ferric Oxide (Rust): Mohs Hardness 5.5 - 6.5
Hardness of 24 carat Gold (Electrolytic Plating): Mohs Hardness 2.5

Anything you use to abbrade the rust will remove the gold first. You could try a mild acid solution, this will react with the rust and leave the gold intact, but it may stain the steel.

Best results would come from a complete polish and replating.