What is the average cost for gold plating?

Scientific, Technical, and Special Purpose Gold Plating

Is gold plating right for your project?

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We frequently receive inquiries regarding the suitability of gold plating for various purposes. Our gold plating services cater to three primary categories, based on the customer’s specific requirements. In many cases, customer needs may involve a combination of these types.

If you are contemplating gold plating for your requirements, the following information details the diverse client needs we address. For detailed information on different types of gold plating, please contact our technical department at info@goldplating.com.

Decorative

Many inquiries about gold plating are for decorative purposes. Although there are other metals with similar appearances, gold plating offers unparalleled corrosion resistance and physical properties. The cost-effectiveness of gold plating, especially in surface preparation, makes it an ideal Decorative finish. Jewelry restoration, for instance, shows how most expenses are involved in preparing the surface rather than the gold application, which only costs a few dollars.

In general, the cost for decorative gold plating is between $2.00 and $3.00 per square inch (0.25 to 0.55 microns thick). This excludes any special finishes, restoration, special handling, or pretreatment. Prices vary based on quantity, size, and any special tooling required.

24K gold is quite soft, making it less ideal for certain decorative applications. We recommend cobalt-hardened 24-karat gold, which is 99.7% pure, highly corrosion-resistant, and three times harder than pure gold, making it suitable for decorative use.

Corrosion Resistance

Gold plating is extensively used to provide corrosion resistance to substrates like copper, which otherwise would corrode quickly. Gold, while less conductive than copper or silver, offers superior resistance to corrosion, making it a preferred choice for plating over these metals.

An example of this is the RF load coil in an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), which operates under extreme conditions. Applying a heavy pure gold electroplate over a copper substrate with a diffusion barrier has proven effective.

For substrates prone to diffusion through gold, such as silver or a copper alloy, we suggest a diffusion barrier like nickel, rhodium, or palladium to ensure environmental protection. We also cater to high-energy research labs needing non-magnetic deposits, suggesting either thicker gold plating or a platinum group element depending on the requirement.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of barrel nickel plating machine. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Unique Physical Properties

Gold plating is often chosen for its unique physical properties like reflectivity and conductivity. For instance, a medical laser company required gold plating for reflectors to achieve optimal reflection in the visible to near-IR spectrum. The results showed over 97% reflection, signifying gold's suitability for their project.

Another client needed components to withstand harsh environments, leading to a specialized application involving a pure nickel substrate, followed by a thick rhodium plate and a heavy gold deposit. This combination significantly improved durability.

Gold Plating Stainless Steel

We specialize in gold plating stainless steel items for various technical and decorative purposes. The use of a nickel underplate when plating gold onto stainless steel is a common query. Our technical advisors provide opinions recommending or against using a nickel underplate based on the specific requirements and potential for allergic reactions.

Due to gold’s inert chemical properties, versatility, and affordability, electroplating gold has become the solution to many technical and engineering issues.

Gold Plating Pricing Guide

We offer various custom gold plating finishes across a spectrum of colors and thicknesses. Below is a pricing guide for frequently plated decorative items.

If you can't find your item in our guide or require further details, please e-mail us at [email protected]. You can also call us at +1 (248) 821-3450 from 8AM to 6PM EST, and our staff will assist you.

Visit our FAQ: Gold Plating page for more detailed information about the electroplating process.

Note: For the past four years, we've eliminated traditional nickel pre-plating in jewelry and decorative items to prevent allergic reactions. Our unique processes ensure long-lasting brightness and pristine conditions for your gold-plated items.

Jewelry Items

14k–24k Electroplating Finishes

• 14kt–24kt Yellow Gold
  1.0 microns (minimum)
• Heavy Gold
  2.5 microns
• Extra Heavy Gold
  4–7 microns
• 18kt Green Gold
  18kt Rose Gold

Belt Buckle: $20–$75 (Add 35% for Custom Colors)

Bracelets: $20–$55 (Add 35% for Custom Colors)

Charms: $15–$35 (Add 35% for Custom Colors)

Cufflinks: $20–$45 (Add 35% for Custom Colors)

Ear Rings: $20–$45 (Add 35% for Custom Colors)

Key Rings: $30–$45 (Add 35% for Custom Colors)

Pendants: $20–$55 (Add 35% for Custom Colors)

Chains: $15–$75 (Add 35% for Custom Colors)

Watches: $60–$110* (Add 35% for Custom Colors)

*add 20% for scratch removal and polishing

Hardware Items

14k–24k Electroplating Finishes

• 14k–24k Yellow Gold
  1.0 microns (minimum)
• Heavy Gold
  2.5 microns
• Extra Heavy Gold
  4–7 microns
• Lacquer Protection

Address Numbers: $10–$25 (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Door Handles: $25–$90* (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Door Knockers: $40–$75 (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Hinges: $10–$45 (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

House Keys: $10–$20 (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Lamps: Call for quote (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Picture Frames: N/A (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Scissors: $25–$45 (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

*add 20% for scratch removal and polishing

Miscellaneous Items

14k–24k Electroplating Finishes

• 14k–24k Yellow Gold
  1.0 microns (minimum)
• Heavy Gold
  2.5 microns
• Extra Heavy Gold
  4–7 microns
• Lacquer Protection

Custom Knives: $25–$125 (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Gun Parts: Call for quote (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Musical Hardware: *Call for quote (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Sword Hardware: $35–$125 (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Flatware: *$35 each (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Small Sculpture: Call for quote (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

Architectural: Call for quote (Add 35% for Custom Colors, Add 15% for Lacquer Protection)

*Add 20% for scratch removal and polishing

Engineering Applications

For engineering and medical applications, we offer specialty platings that comply with MIL-G45204C standards. Type 1 and type 2 in classes 0-3, and grades A through C. All gold plating services for these types of applications are by quote only. We will be happy to provide you with firm pricing after we have examined the actual piece(s) and understand the scope of the project.

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For more information, please visit Hard Chrome Plating Equipment.