Letter 1215

Antiquing Gold

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Does any one have any information on an environmentally safe/friendly solution to antique and/or blacken gold for an antique appearance? Would like to relieve and polish the gold after antiquing.

Bill Christiansen

Bill,

As gold is very inert to oxidation the only method I know is to plate a thin coat of black nickel or "Electroblack" an Enequist (I think from NY) then relieve. Hope this helps.

Bob Lynch
plating company - Sydney, Australia

Bob:

Thanks for the response. We used to use Electroblack but removed it from our plant because of the hazardous chemicals. The latest Gesswein catalog has a product called

• Oxaul Salts

which says it blackens gold.

Has anyone out there ever tried it? Is it safe to use? What about disposal? Thanks for your help.

Bill Christiansen

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Do you guys know what chemicals are used to antique copper and brass?

Thanks Bill

Bill Bleasdale

Bill: please see our FAQs on this subject at www.finishing.com/faqs/patina.html.

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

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