Letter 162

Bronzing baby shoes

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I am interested in bronze plating baby shoes, Do you know where I might find info? thanks in advance for any help.

Ronald S [name deleted for privacy]

If you think you can sell bronzed baby shoes, Ronald, you might want to start by finding a vendor and setting up a distributorship -- learning the market without investing. It's fine to try to figure our how to do your own shoe bronzing once you have proved to yourself that you can sell them, but the business is ninety five percent sales and five percent making the shoes. You are faced with two problems in trying to do real shoe bronzing yourself:

1. You need to use dangerous, toxic chemicals.
2. We are talking about an art form best learned under apprenticeship.

Letter #1 is on a related subject. Good luck!

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, NJ

Ronald S wanted to know how to bronze plate baby shoes. I remember that in the 1950's seeing ads selling kits to do this in magazines such as Popular Mechanics. Recently, I saw a similar ad. They claim to offer kits to metallize baby shoes in copper, bronze, or gold. I confess to being curious since I thought it was impossible to effectively plate on to a non-metallic substrate. Does the process really work, and if so, how?

Nick [name deleted for privacy]

Thanks for the update, Nick. Yes, it is possible to effectively plate non-metallic surfaces. Almost all bright automotive grills and headlight bezels are plated plastic, for example.

There is a FAQ here, 'Plating organic materials', that may serve as an introduction. For shoes, basically you metallize them by spraying them with a two-component silvering solution. One part is a soluble silver salt, and the other part is a reducing agent; when they meet on the surface of the shoes, metallic silver is deposited; alternately you can spray with a conductive paint. Then you carefully electroplate the silver.

Ted Mooney, P.E. 
finishing.com
Brick, NJ

I looked into a couple of those baby shoe "bronzing" companies. The process was not actually "plating". It was more like "coating". The first step was to dip the shoe in a clear sealer. Then you simply air-brushed (included in kit) the "bronze", "gold", "silver", or other finish coatings. I think one of the processes had you wipe on or buff a powder over the shoe. The last step was to again seal the shoe with a clear finish. Rather disillusioning I thought. The term "bronzed" referred to the color rather than the process.

Jerry L [name deleted for privacy]

Ted Mooney, P.E. 
finishing.com
Brick, NJ

I am very interested in selling bronzed, silver and gold plated baby shoes in my area. I was interested in performing the process myself, manufacturing and distributing the product in malls and at local retail outlets. However, it appears from what I've read that this may not be possible due to the chemicals used and the government regulations imposed.

Could any company provide me with information on how to move forward toward my desired goal of entering the once again growing business of bronzing baby shoes.

David C [name deleted for privacy]

Ted Mooney, P.E. 
finishing.com
Brick, NJ

TO ANYONE THINKING ABOUT BRONZING BABY SHOES AT HOME:

I HAVE BEEN BRONZING BABY SHOES AND MOST ANYTHING ELSE, FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS. I HAVE USED A PROCESS WHICH IS NOT A METAL PROCESS, BUT MORE A COATING THAT IS DIPPED AND THEN SPRAYED ONTO THE MATERIAL. IT IS GOOD LOOKING AND HOLDS UP VERY WELL, BUT IT IS A HARD SELL. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO PUT YOUR HEART AND SOLE INTO THE BUSINESS THEN DON'T GET INTO IT.

ROBERT E [name deleted for privacy]
- Florida

I have been using a brush on process for years and the results have been very satisfactory. The hardening liquid used (as I have been told} is the same liquid used to stretch the cotton coating on home built airplanes. I have been unable to find the chemical name for this but i do believe it is a butyrate or nitrate with a black pigment added.

If anyone here is familiar with this chemical, please respond.

Cal W [name deleted for privacy]

I was so happy to find this web site on bronzing. Lots of you are interested in baby shoes. I am interested in bronzing art sculpture that I make myself.I have tried home methods using coating but they are just not the same.

It makes the product look like just what it is. The real thing is what I want to learn to do and may just try a few baby shoes in the process. If anyone can help a determined beginner please do so. I do not know where to start at this point I am seeking all the help that I can find. I use dangerous chemicals in a lot of my projects that have used them with a lot of respect and always keep them under lock and key. It is so hard to find info on bronzing. I would even like to take a class if I can find one.

Betty B [name deleted for privacy]
- Perry, Georgia

Plating of non-metallics is simply in the preparation. I have plated shoes, a cricket ball (ball game played by other than US) made of leather, a cricket bat (made of wood), golf tees and resin castings of various shapes.

There have been articles published in various journals and we have a company in Sydney Australia that specializes in this process.

Perhaps someone can detail the articles but the basis of the process is to seal the material with epoxy and coat with conductive paint (I have always used Electrodag) and plate.

It's good fun but I have only done it as a hobby not as part of our regular processing.

Regards

Bob Lynch
plating company - Sydney, Australia

I am interested in this subject from a hobby/artistic point of view. So I have many questions...any replies would be highly appreciated.

Are there any other suppliers that provide equipment to the do it yourselfer. What is electrocasting? Who supplies or has info? One company claims that they electroplate solid metal on baby shoes and other items ...what equipment would be needed for this and who can supply it?

Thanks,

Martin D [name deleted for privacy]
- Calgary, AB Canada

Greetings from John Cray - Perth, Western Australia.

For most of the working information you are likely to need on this subject I suggest you go to your local library or friendly book shop and ask them to get in for you the following publication:

"ELECTROPLATING AND ELECTROFORMING FOR ARTISTS AND CRAFTSMEN" by Lee Scott Newman and Jay Hartley Newman

It is chock full of photos and diagrams on 'how to start and how to do' and is written with very simple procedures and instructions and is easily understood by the complete novice to plating and electroforming.

It also contains a full range of make it yourself plating solutions which contain chemicals that you should not need permission to purchase (i.e.Sulfuric Acid).

The book is about 100 pages and a real must to own when plating items of art with irregular shapes and with non conductive surfaces.

(see also my letter 1892)

John Cray
- Perth, Australia

I'm interested in bronzing baby shoes. But I am pregnant now and was wondering if any one knew if those chemicals can be inhaled, and would they be dangerous ? What about wearing a mask ?

I am looking to get a business going before the baby arrives.

Thank's.

Trina B [name deleted for privacy]
- Maine

About my adventures and challenges making bronzing baby shoes. I am sharing this hoping someone also can share his/her adventures and probably find together a solution, as I am still committed on the issue! My wife and I got the idea of putting a baby shoe bronzing factory here in Monterrey Mexico, after seeing an ad, I expended a hard-earned $500 bucks on the process of ordering a professional kit, and so far I am disappointed with the results. The process involves using a hardening resin to fill the shoes inside, and then a base and metallic paint for the look a finishing acrylic base, yeah it is a hard smelling process, do not attempt this if pregnant.

They just do not look like bronzed shoes, but as painted and hardened (not much even) shoes. I feel bad about this and I am still trying to get better results, the problems are: 1) Not enough hardening of the shoes, not inside or outside, inside the resin is "crackable" and outside I have not obtained the claimed "glass-hard" finishing. 2) Too brilliant varnish like finishing, does not look like metal really. 3) The shoes do not look like covered by a metal, neatly loosing some detail and rounding up some, but just look like painted shoes I want to offer a quality product in which I am confident, and trustable, even I am considering buying electroplating equipment and learning to use it being careful with the chemicals.

Also I have considering partnering with someone at the US who can a) Offer me wholesale bronzing services, or b) help me establish a facility here, sort of distributorship or franchise. If you know something about this two possibilities of know someone interested in discussing this further.

Sincerely

Juan A [name deleted for privacy]
- Monterrey Mexico

Hello Readers; I'd like to advise anybody planning on bronzing their shoes to be very careful to make sure you are having them electroplated! In my 9 years of sales experience in this business, I have seen many nightmares; shoes destroyed by the other methods of so called preservation techniques. These methods do not last the test of time! There is only one way to preserve your shoes. Electroplate them! Thank you for your time.

Annette M [name deleted for privacy]
- British Columbia,Canada

Although what you've written is probably a tiny bit self-serving, Annette, I would agree that if a finish is tinted a bronze color when it is really plastic or paint rather than metal, it is an implicit attempt to ride the coat tails of electroplated bronzing. So those who offer real bronzing have every right to say that just because something looks vaguely the color of bronze doesn't mean that it is bronze.

Ted Mooney, P.E. 
finishing.com
Brick, NJ

Like these other readers, I have also been searching for bronzing methods for baby shoes and other items. From the responses I have seen, it sounds like those spray on type "preservation techniques" may not be that great for some items (such as baby shoes). However, I would still like information on those metallizing techniques if anyone can send me them.

I would also like to learn how to electroplate. If anyone has any information on this area, please tell me. Thanks!

Alena H [name deleted for privacy]
- Ohio

Ed. note: Please see our FAQs which cover this, Alena.

I am thankful for finding this information on the net. My husband and I are looking for a part time job of baby bronzing shoes. We have been sent information in the past but have misplaced it, we can not remember where we found this information, but believe it was in the Midwestern States. Has anyone been happy with any company ? We are planning on doing this out of the house. Any suggestions would be very appreciated.

Linda N [ [name deleted for privacy]
- Illinois

I'm still unclear as to what is the best process of preserving baby, sport dance shoes, etc. Is there a process that is durable and can be done out of one's home, like in the garage? I would be looking for a process that does not have chemicals that are restricted or require special ventilation to use.

I received info from a supplier, but now after reading some of the comments I don't know if their process is the best, there is also another company in Florida that does not have the need for the spray compressor but I'm not sure what the results would be. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Rose W [name deleted for privacy]
- Lancaster,CA

I'm responding in trying to find out how to be a independent representative for a company that bronzes baby shoes, I'm interested in starting a home business to make a few dollars, if anyone can help please let me know. Yvonne

Yvonne S [name deleted for privacy]
- South Carolina

hello,

I live in Spain and I want to SILVER plate TWO baby shoes. I had it done years ago in The Netherlands and results were not very satisfactory. I would appreciate if anyone could forward me a good professional address and contact details to enquire about the cost and the length of time needed. It does not matter if it is in the USA or anywhere in Europe. Thank you

Chiqui F [name deleted for privacy]
- Catalunya, Spain

I happened to be looking for info about getting my sons' shoes bronzed and came across this website http://www.dotcomwomen.com/biz/wah4.shtml

"BRONZING OBJECTS Bronzing Objects can be a creative as well as lucrative hobby. You can bronze keepsakes and give them an antique look.

To start with, here is an example of how to bronze your your baby's first set of shoes. You can treasure the memory of your child's first steps forever by bronzing his first set of baby shoes. And you can do it yourself relatively inexpensively and easily.

Your first step will be to clean the shoes thoroughly. With a damp rag, clean the shoes of all dirt and polish. It is best to complete the cleaning by rubbing the shoes with a rag saturated in denatured alcohol. All wax and polish must be removed. Now allow the shoes to dry.

Next you will want to arrange the shoes as you want them to be bronzed. Tie the laces and arrange them properly. Adjust the tongue so that it touches the sides of the shoe. You may want to hold the laces and tongue in place with a little rubber cement. Now drive a tiny hole through the sole of each shoe and loop a string or wire around it. You are now ready to begin bronzing.

To prepare your liquid bronze use bronze, copper or gold powder and mix the powder with a fast drying spar varnish, stirring well and adding the powder until you have a liquid about like paint. Stir to prevent particles from settling on the bottom. You will probably want to mix a fresh batch of the liquid bronze for each job.

To apply the bronze, use a good camel hair brush and paint shoes, inside and out, with several coats. If there are dull spots when the liquid dries, it means the liquid has soaked right into the material and more coats are needed until the finish is even and glossy. Hang up each shoe by the loop of string to dry between coats and clean the brush each time.

When the final coat is dry, you can create an "antique" effect by mixing a little burnt umber or black color in oil with the bronzing liquid and painting it into the creases of the shoe with a small brush.

If you would like the shoes to be heavy and rigid, fill them with plaster of paris to about 1/2" from the top and let them dry for several days before starting to paint.

You will find bronze powder at any good paint or hardware store or even a printing supply house.

You will be amazed at the very professional job you have done using this method. Perhaps you will do such a good job and enjoy it so much you may want to begin a service doing it for others. It is really a lovely way to make your treasured memories last forever"

Denise C [name deleted for privacy]
- Chattanooga, TN

Hi I am really interested in bronzing or electroplating baby shoes and I am now completely confused? What is the difference and can someone give me an a website for purchase or and info on the process thank you.

Melinda Bartols
- Australia

I have done the "preservation system" of bronzing baby shoes also. I use to make a decent living until I had to move out of state and did not have the time to do it in my new location. It is a tough sell at first until you show them what the end product looks like. I had found a woman's shoe from the late 1800's and decided to use it for my display. I used the system where you put hardener inside the shoe, airbrush the different coatings on and dip them in a water based finished. I still have that shoe and it still looks like the day I did it 15 years ago. I got into this after having my child's shoe actually bronzed and was not happy with the finish when I received them back. They were rough and looked kind of ugly and are extremely hard to keep clean.I used to show people those real bronzed shoes and the shoe that I preserved. It then became a easy sell. It takes a certain type of person to use this method because a certain amount of artistic ability is required along with a good deal of patience. Like any business venture you must know what you are doing which requires practice. Too many people think this is fast easy money. The fact is like any business it requires a lot of work and dedication to succeed.

Kevin Oxner
- Lincoln, NE

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