gold plating service

Gold Plating Service

Conveniently located to serve Orange County, Los Angeles, and Long Beach CA

Gold plating is not solid metal but a process of putting a layer of pure gold over metal. Usually, it involves putting the layer of gold over a base metal such as brass, copper or silver. Antique Metal Finishing is a complete metal finishing facility doing 24k gold electroplating. Our craftsman will bring your items back to life. 

What is electroplating?

The process of electroplating involves applying a 24k gold layer of metal on to a base metal object. This is done by applying a direct electric current creating a chemical bond between them.

The history of electroplating?

Before modern electroplating was invented the ancient Greeks used heating and cooling techniques to attach gold to other metals. This was hammered into place for statues, jewelry, and all kinds of artifacts. Modern gold electroplating spread in the mid 19th century and was notoriously used in cathedrals such places as the gold-electroplated dome of Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow.      

How does electroplating work?

The first step, your item is professionally cleaned with chemicals to remove all impurities. If the surface contains any oils, toxins or contaminants the gold plating may not hold or be uneven. We then create a metal salt solution using 24k gold. This salt is put in water to form a bath for your item. An electric current is applied and the magic happens. Depending on how long your item is left in the bath will determine the thickness of the plating.

How much does gold plating cost?

The cost of gold plating your item is based on surface area. To get an estimate we need to know your item’s number of surfaces, and dimensions. Gold plating costs fluctuate based on gold prices. Typical gold plating is 3 times more than silver plating. 

Concerns with gold plating

Since gold plating masks other metals, the base metal will appear eventually. If you are allergic to nickel which happens to be the main cause of metal allergies, you may have a reaction once the gold plating tarnishes. Replating can prevent allergic reactions until the gold wears off. 

What items do we gold plate?

We plate antique mirrors, antique statues, jewel boxes, door knobs, plumbing fixtures, and ecclesiastic items such as church monstrances, chalices, and crosses.