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Better to gold plate badge accessories or strip them?

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I have a U.S.A.F. Fire Protection Badge Fire Fighter. not sure of how old. Guessing within the 10 or 15 years of age. It has a pin back. it is a standard fireman's badge and someone has attempted to gold plate it. A lot, but not all, is is still on. I was wondering what the best course of action would be. To remove plating by polishing and buffing, or to have someone replate it for me. Please tell me what you think.

Thank You,

Doug Martin
janitorial - Wichita Falls, Texas

Hi, Doug. If you have it gold plated, you will have a beautiful final finish that doesn't tarnish and needs no further care or maintenance at all for years. If you strip the gold off, you'll have who-knows-what metal under it, and will have to finish it and maintain it frequently. Easy choice: there's nothing like gold.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey

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