All that Glitters Is Not Gold
Is there a non-gold-containing alloy that can be plated as a substitute for gold?
Q. Can you recommend a non-gold-containing alloy that can be plated as a gold substitute? Obviously it should have the appearance of gold and be suitable as an undercoat for a gold layer. The application is for decorative plating. –M.D.
A. As it turns out, there is a bronze plating bath that will give you a gold-like color and is suitable as an undercoat for gold. The formulation is as follows:
|
Component |
Concentration |
|
Sodium cyanide |
8-9 oz./gallon |
|
Copper cyanide |
4 oz./gallon |
|
Sodium stannate |
1.5 oz./gallon |
|
Sodium hydroxide |
1.5 oz./gallon |
|
Rochelle salts |
6.0-6.5 oz./gallon |
The bath should contain between 9 and 12 percent tin with an operation temperature of 150 to 160°F. Using copper anodes and varying the amount of copper and tin in the plating bath will control the color.
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