Thread: gold wash

Hi all,

I have several razors up for restore where there are traces of gold wash. I know you can't come in the neigbourhood of gold wash with abrassives without removing it (as I unfortunately discovered).

Wondering whether it would be possible to restore the gold wash I contacted a company selling gold plating equipment. The told me it was definitely possible to restore gold wash (/plating what's the difference ?) and sent me following links:

Budget Plating Kit: Budget Plating Kit

Plating Manual:
Free Download: The Spa Plating brush electroplating manual

I almost fell off my chair seeing the price of the so-called "budget" kit and though "no way". So my question is, are there any members here who own such a kit or similar and would consider offer their fellow members replating services ?

Thanks,
W

Search out member AaronX look at his stats and review his Threads IIRC he did one about what he used, and I would vouch for his process as I honed a few of the razors he made Gold again...

I would not bother for a couple of reasons. The first is the expense but the second is because I am sure you will not be happy with the outcome. Jewelry that is plated is normally done so with electrolysis and the amount of gold deposited on the material being gilded is dependent opon the amount of electric current being used, the gold solution and how the length of time of the process. These are all factors that in industry are closely controled and in a home shop will never equal.


The amount of gold deposited thru electrolysis is only microns thin and does not usually hold up under any use. Plated wrist watches are a good example and their reaction to salts and skin acids will etch the metal under the gold helping and encouraging the gold to wear off sooner. Gold plated items to look at may remain tarnish free for years, but things to use will loose the look quickly especially if a home kit is used to plate.


Gold filled and rolled gold are 2 techniques that leave a much thicker amount of gold and the gold is heat welded to the base metal making it a tougher end product. Good Luck with it, Alx