6 Key Things to Know About Gold Plating
There are many types of surface treatment that aim to cover or change a base metal. Purposes include strengthening, adding value or improving the aesthetics. Plating with gold has several potential advantages.
It makes a surface conductive and corrosion resistant
People choose gold not just for its appearance, but also its practical qualities. It does not tarnish or corrode, meaning it protects the substrate from damp and oxygen. It is also popular for use in electronics because of its conductive properties.
It can be applied to different types of metal
Many metals can serve as a substrate for gold plating. For jewellery, sterling silver is often used. In electronics, conductive copper is a popular choice. This is in contrast to hard anodising, as provided at www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments/anodising/hard-anodising/, which is primarily aimed at aluminium alloys.
There are different gold plating methods
Electroplating utilises an electric current, while electroless plating, also known as immersion coating, involves chemical reactions. Vacuum deposition takes place within a vacuum chamber. Then there is brush plating, applying the gold by brush.
It is a multi-step process
Before the substrate can be plated, it must be cleansed of all impurities, degreased, and treated with strike solution. A base coat will be applied before the actual gold. The item will need to be rinsed between different stages, and again at the end.
It may appear in different colours
The thinner the plating, the lighter and brighter the appearance. Plating can come in different thicknesses and amounts of gold depending on the purpose. If aesthetics are a primary concern, colouration treatment may be used to ensure a specific shade.
It does not have the same properties as pure gold
Gold plating may alter a substrate metal, but it does not have the same quality as pure gold. It may still be prone to some tarnishing over time and could be significantly lower in value, and therefore more affordable, than a pure gold piece.
Once you understand the nature, advantages and disadvantages of gold plating, you can decide whether it is appropriate for your specific needs.
