Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Can we gold plate polymer and plaster?

Hi, I want to give someone a gift. I made it some years ago from polymer & plaster. I would like to gold plate it but know that it has to be conductive. Does anyone know if there is some type of conductive liquid I can coat it with or would it be better to recast it using cold cast metal powder? I'm sure by now its obvious that I don't have much of a clue about gold plating but hope someone, somewhere will know what I'm trying to do. Its important that it looks really good. Thanks for looking & hope to hear from you soon. John

John Moreton
Hobbyist - Liverpool, UK
March 2, 2009

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There are any number of conductive paints available, but I couldn't say what would be suitable for your application without more information.

James Totter, CEF
- Tallahassee, Florida
March 6, 2009

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Hi James,
Thanks for your reply, Basically the model is a resin based cast, similar to plaster of paris but with a polymer resin to make it a strong durable piece. I thought it would look really good if it was gold or silver plated.Im looking fro a good finish though so that the detail of the piece will stand out. Hope that helps & look forward to hearing from you soon.

John Moreton
- Liverpool, UK
March 9, 2009

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John

Making it conductive is only the first part of the process. Silver and gold are plated from cyanide solutions so, apart from the expense of setting up a plating bath and learning to use it, this is not something to do at home. To get a good finish, it will probably need plating with copper or nickel first.

There are good plating companies in Liverpool. (Yellow pages, Electroplaters). The simple solution is to take your piece to them and tell them what you want. Most are very helpful but remember, gold does not come cheap.

Geoff Smith
Hampshire, England
March 11, 2009

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Many thanks for your Geoff, I will do just that & get in touch with someone who can help.

Thanks again, John

John Moreton
- Liverpool
March 24, 2009