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Gold plating a movie replica

2007

Hi all,

My friend and I have constructed a full-scale replica of the ark of the covenant as seen in the film, "Raiders of the Lost Ark." In order for our replica to match the screen used original as closely as possible, it would really need to be finished out in a gold or a brass plating. The problem is, our ark is made entirely of wood and resin. I have read some postings on finishing.com that mention covering nonconductive surfaces with a conductive coating for eventual plating.

Because of the size of our ark (around 3 ft. long, 20 in. in width, and around 3 ft. tall), how realistic is it to wonder whether or not this piece could actually be plated? I certainly have no experience for even speculating on this matter, and I would certainly appreciate advice from those of you who do have an appropriate background for this speculation. If our piece would indeed be deemed as a candidate for plating, I would need suggestions as to what would be the best way to approach a plan of action for it. It would also be helpful if anyone knew any platers in my immediate region, because thus far, I have made no contact with anyone who has plating experience.

Thanks sincerely,

Blaine Thompson
- Memphis, Tennessee

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First of two simultaneous responses --

Consider burnished gold leaf. With a small bit of instruction, you can do this yourself with decent to great results, depending on your patience. Also, no Hazardous waste to dispose of. To have one piece plated would be very expensive and home plating is not a rational option from cost or quality aspect.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2007

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

While it may be technically possible to electroplate your model, I doubt that you could find a plater willing to risk both your ark and his plating bath. Both are high value items.

I suggest that you look at coating it with gold leaf. Why not visit your local library and look out a book on restoring old picture frames. It will give you the basic techniques (which are simple) and probably a source for materials. An even simpler solution is to visit your local art supplier for 'gold' lacquer.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England
2007

Try gold leaf-that is perfect for your object(or imitation gold leaf if real gold is too expensive for you). Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2007

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Blaine,
I agree with the previous responses. It looks like you have done a great job so far with the reproduction. I would be very interested to see the project completed. At that time could you please submit another photo under this same titled letter? Best regards with your work.

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
2007

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2007

Hi everyone,

I'd like to thank all of you for your kind opinions. It looks like the definite consensus is gold leafing. That is still great, because I have found a wonderful gold leaf specialist in my region who is experienced with water gilding. Maybe with the water gilding process applied to the leafing, my ark will have the brilliance it needs to resemble the finish on the ark that is in the film. I have seen photos of two other ark replicas that have been gold plated, and they really looked good. So, I thought I would at least inquire as to what the likelihood would be of having mine plated, too. But, if leafing will be my only immediate option, then I think I would still be very happy with the results. And, hi Mark. I would be delighted to post a photo of the final product. Unfortunately, it just won't be right away, because I doubt the leafing specialist will be able to work me in before the Spring or Summer. It could be later in the year, but I would be glad for you to see a photo of the finished version so you could let me know what you think.

Sincerely,

Blaine Thompson
- Memphis, Tennessee, United States

Thank you Blaine. Spring or summer sounds great!

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
2007

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2007

Hi. I saw your post questioning how to overlay your ark with gold and I wanted to respond by informing you as to how the original was most probably overlaid. I quote from "Searching for the Ark of the Covenant" by Randall Price, pg 15.

"It may have been applied as gilding (like gold leaf); an idea perhaps denoted by the language of Hebrews 4:9 'covered on all sides with gold'. This was the method used on wooden furniture of the period as evidenced in finds from Egyptian tombs. Thin leaves of gold were glued to a fine layer of plaster spread over the wood or applied as hammered sheets to the wood with small nails."

I hope this helps you. I have been interested for years in building the Ark and would appreciate it if you would contact me to exchange information and ideas.
I am anxious to see your final product.
Blessings.
Dr. Ward

Don Carey Ward
- Groveport, Ohio

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2007

Hi Dr. Ward,

I sent an email to you at the address you have on file with finishing.com. Hope you received it. And, Mark, it could now possibly even be over in to part of next year before I have my ark leafed. Just don't give up on me. I'll have you some pictures one of these days :-)

Kind regards,
Blaine

Blaine Thompson
- Memphis, Tennessee, USA

No problem Blaine. I believe good things come along with time! Good luck with your work!

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
2007

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January 25, 2008

Hi again Mark,

Due to unforeseen circumstances, getting the ark leafed has been temporarily put on hold. I apologize for the delayed update, but if things ever get back on track, then I will still plan on issuing a photo of the finished product. I wanted to have the courtesy to let you know of the delay, and I regret that I was not able to post sooner.

Sincerest regards,

Blaine Thompson
- Memphis, Tennessee, USA