Gold Tank Plating Solution

Price range: £170.55 through £5,572.87 + VAT

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Our Gold Tank Plating Solution contains 4 grams of gold per litre. We’ve developed it specifically for tank plating, so you can achieve consistently bright results.

Ready to Use

You can use this solution straight out of the bottle, with no need for pre-mixing. This saves you time and makes it easy to get started.

Why Choose Spa Plating?

We save you time and money because:

  • We thoroughly test our plating solutions to make sure they’re efficient and easy to use.
  • Our specially developed equipment, including the MultiPlater, works alongside our plating processes to help you get the best results from our products.
  • With our Plating Calculators, you can take the guesswork out of plating and achieve high-quality results while keeping time and costs to a minimum.
  • You’ll also find free online technical support through our YouTube channel and the Blue Tabbed Panel on each product page.

HS Code: 3824 99 70

Our Gold Tank Plating Solution contains 4 grams of gold per litre, making it a versatile choice for a range of plating applications.

You can use it to gold plate sterling silver to vermeil standard (a gold thickness of 2.5 microns) or to create thin, decorative gilding layers of 0.1–0.2 microns.

Calculate Your Plating Time

Simply enter the surface area of your item and your required gold plating thickness into our Plating Calculator. The calculator will then work out how long you need to plate your item to achieve your chosen thickness.

How Long Does Gold Plating Take?

The ring in the photo has a surface area of 8 cm² and took 14 minutes to achieve a gold thickness of 2.5 microns.

However, if you only wanted a thin, decorative layer of 0.1 microns, you would need to immerse the ring in a 250 ml plating tank for just 33 seconds.

Keeping Your Gold Plating Solution Topped Up

As you use your gold plating solution, the gold concentration gradually decreases. It’s therefore important to check that your solution still contains enough gold to achieve your required plating thickness.

You can use our Gold Tank Replenisher to top up the gold concentration. Our Gold Tank Concentration Calculator will also help you work out how much replenisher to add.

Gold Tank Plating Set-Up

Here’s a typical gold tank plating set-up using Spa Plating’s equipment and solution.

For more guidance on using our tank plating solutions and equipment, take a look at our YouTube channel.

You can also use our Gold Tank Plating Calculator to work out how much plating solution you’ll need.

This video shows our gold tank plating solution being used to gold tank plate to vermeil standard using our gold tank plating kit;

 

Back to Product Description

Our Gold Tank Plating Solution produces a bright, hard gold finish containing approximately 99.9% gold. We’ve developed it specifically for tank plating, and you can use it for both decorative gold plating and thicker gold deposits where you need greater wear resistance.

The solution can produce gold deposits up to a maximum recommended thickness of approximately 4 microns.

Controlled Plating Thickness

Our Gold Tank Plating Calculator helps you achieve your required gold plating thickness.

Simply enter the surface area of your item, the thickness you want to achieve and your operating conditions. The calculator will then work out the appropriate current in amps and the plating time.

It also calculates how much gold you use during plating. This helps you keep track of the gold remaining in your solution and work out how much Gold Tank Replenisher you need to add.

Plating Rate

At a plating factor of 0.01 A/cm², a temperature of 20°C and low agitation, you can expect a plating rate of approximately 0.15 micron per minute.

However, temperature and agitation can make a considerable difference to the plating rate. For this reason, we recommend using our Gold Tank Plating Calculator to work out your plating times.

Maintaining the Gold Concentration

As you plate your items, you gradually use up the gold in your solution. To maintain the correct working concentration, add our Gold Tank Replenisher to replace the gold you’ve used.

Our Gold Tank Plating Calculator will help you work out how much replenisher to add. Don’t base this amount simply on the volume of solution in your tank.

If you’re unsure how much gold remains in a solution you’ve already used, try our Gold Tank Concentration Calculator.

However, please bear in mind that this calculator only provides an estimate. The result may vary by approximately ±1 g/L, so you shouldn’t rely on it as an accurate measurement of the gold concentration.

With proper maintenance, you can expect a working life of approximately 5–6 gold turnovers from your plating bath.

For more information about gold turnovers and how much replenisher to add, take a look at the ‘Tech Specs’ and ‘FAQs’ tabs.

Reducing Gold Losses

When you remove an item from your plating tank, allow any excess solution to drain back into the bath. Where practical, rinse the item above the tank so you can return more of the gold-bearing solution to the bath.

This helps reduce gold losses through drag-out and makes better use of your plating solution.

As water evaporates from your tank, top it up with deionised water to bring the solution back to its original level.

Surface Preparation

Good surface preparation is essential if you want your gold plating to adhere properly. However, the preparation process will depend on the metal you’re plating.

For guidance, take a look at our ‘Process Sequences’ tab. You’ll find the recommended preparation and plating sequences for different metals and alloys.

Gold Tank Calculator

How to use this calculator:

1. Enter the required plating thickness in microns (µm).

2. Enter the surface area of the article in square centimetres (cm²).

3. Enter the initial gold concentration of the plating solution in grams per litre (g/l).

4. Select the required plating speed.

5. Enter the volume of plating solution being used in millilitres (ml).

6. Click the ‘Calculate’ button.

7. The calculator will show the amp setting for your rectifier and the required plating time.

8. If you are using our Coulometer, set it to the calculated number of Coulombs.

9. The required temperature and agitation are also shown.

10. The calculator also shows the gold concentration remaining after plating and the amount of Gold Replenisher required to restore the original concentration.

11. Finally, the calculator shows the approximate cost of the gold solution used and the weight of gold plated.

Operating Conditions and Deposit Data

Plating Factor 0.01 A/cm2 (see notes)
Plating rate 0.15 micron per minute at 0.01 A/cm2, 20 °C and low agitation (see notes)
Maximum plating thickness 4 microns
Temperature 18 – 40 °C (see notes)
pH 4.3 – 4.5
Gold concentration 4 grams per litre
Recommended maximum bath life 5 – 6 gold turnovers
Agitation Low to vigorous (see notes)
Electrode Platinum Rod Electrode (preferably bagged)
Gold content in plate 99.9% (balance carbon)
Cathode efficiency ~25% at Plating Factor = 0.01 A/cm2
Hardness 190 – 210 Hv
Density of deposit 19.3 g/cm3
Stress Medium
Special storage requirements Away from sunlight
Shelf life 1 year
Health and Safety classification Harmful
Special considerations Contains potassium cyanide (0.15%)
Transport (UN number) None: Not classified as dangerous for transport

Notes

  • Recommended plating factor range is between 0.008 and 0.012 A/cm2.
  • The plating rate varies considerably with temperature and agitation at any fixed plating factor.
  • Gold is removed from the solution as it is deposited onto the work. Use Gold Tank Replenisher to replace the gold used during plating. The amount to add should be calculated using our Gold Tank Plating Calculator.
  • Gold Tank Replenisher contains 16 g/L gold. A 1 litre bath of Gold Tank Plating Solution initially contains 4 g of gold, so one gold turnover corresponds to 4 g of gold, equivalent to 250 ml of Gold Tank Replenisher.
  • If you are unsure of the current gold concentration of a used solution, our Gold Tank Concentration Calculator can be used to estimate it. The result is only an approximation and may have an error of approximately ±1 g/L, so it should not be regarded as an accurate analysis of the gold concentration.
  • The recommended maximum working life of the bath is approximately 5–6 gold turnovers. For a 1 litre bath, 5 turnovers corresponds to a cumulative addition of 20 g of gold, equivalent to 1.25 litres of Gold Tank Replenisher. Six turnovers corresponds to 24 g of gold, equivalent to 1.50 litres of replenisher. These figures refer to the total amount added over the working life of the bath and do not mean that the solution can only be replenished five or six times.
  • As the bath approaches exhaustion it can become overloaded with potassium and potassium salts may begin to crystallise out.
  • Evaporation losses are normally made up at the end of the day by topping the solution back up to its original level with deionised water.
  • Rinse articles above the solution when removing them from the tank so that as much gold-bearing solution as possible drains back into the bath. Otherwise the solution is lost by drag-out.

Delivery information

We ship worldwide, except for products that carry a UN classification for transport.

  • UK courier delivery (FedEx/APC): We use FedEx and APC. Delivery usually takes 2–7 working days from dispatch.
  • Royal Mail: Available for a limited range of non-liquid UK orders. Usually 5-10 working days from dispatch.
  • Free UK mainland delivery: On orders over £200.
  • International delivery: Usually 5-10 working days from dispatch.

Shipping costs: Add the items you require to your shopping cart and click ‘View cart’. Towards the bottom of the cart page, click ‘Calculate shipping’, select your country and enter your postcode. Then click ‘Calculate Shipping Costs’ to see the delivery charge.

VAT, import taxes and duties: For orders delivered outside the UK, we do not charge UK VAT once the delivery country has been selected correctly. Your destination country may charge its own import VAT or other local taxes when the goods arrive. Customs or import duty may also apply, depending on the product and destination. Import VAT and customs duty are separate charges, although the courier or customs authority may collect them together. We do not include these charges in our prices or delivery charges, and you are responsible for paying them.

Please click on the link below to download the SDS for this product:

https://goldn.co.uk/msds/gold_tank_plating_solution.pdf

Fault

Possible cause

Diagnostic clue

Corrective action
No plating at all
 Open circuit / electricity not flowing MultiPlater: the red light remains on, indicating that no current is flowing. A third-party power supply shows zero amps. Check all electrical connections and contact points. Clean the contact points if necessary.
Reverse polarity Current may still flow, but gold does not deposit. The workpiece may show signs of anodic attack. Correct the polarity: workpiece negative (–), platinum rod electrode positive (+).
Plating is dull or matt
 Plating onto a porous or poorly finished surface The gold deposit is sound but reproduces the dull, porous, scratched or uneven finish of the underlying surface. Polish or otherwise prepare the article to the required finish before repeating the surface preparation and plating.
Gold concentration has become depleted through use A previously satisfactory solution gradually gives a duller or weaker-looking deposit as gold is removed from the solution. Use Gold Tank Replenisher to replace the gold used during plating. Use the Gold Tank Plating Calculator to calculate the amount required. If the present gold concentration is uncertain, the Gold Tank Concentration Calculator can be used as an estimate only; its accuracy is approximately ±1 g/L.
Temperature too high The deposit becomes dull or matt when the solution is being operated above its recommended temperature range. Allow the solution to return to the recommended operating temperature before continuing.
Low conductivity / excessive voltage required The required amps can only be obtained at an unusually high voltage. On the MultiPlater, the operating indication may show that excessive voltage is being required. Check electrical contacts, solution level, electrode position and the condition of the platinum rod electrode. Do not attempt to alter the solution chemistry.
Organic contamination The deposit remains dull or matt despite the normal operating conditions being correct. Treat the plating solution with Carbon Powder in accordance with Spa Plating’s instructions to remove organic contamination.
Burnt deposit, especially on corners and edges
 Amps too high The deposit becomes dark, burnt or powdery, usually first on corners, edges and other high-current areas. Check the surface area and use the Gold Tank Plating Calculator to determine the correct amp setting. Reduce the amps if necessary.
Article too close to the electrode Burning is localised on the area closest to or directly facing the platinum rod electrode. Increase the distance between the article and electrode or reposition them to obtain a more even current distribution.
Too little agitation Burning or darkening is concentrated in high-current areas and solution movement around the workpiece is poor. Increase agitation to the recommended level and make sure there is good solution movement around the whole article.
Temperature too low Burning occurs when the solution is below its recommended operating temperature. Raise the solution to the recommended operating temperature before continuing.
Solution level falling
 Evaporation losses The solution level gradually falls during use or storage, particularly when the solution is warm or left uncovered. Evaporation removes water but leaves the gold and other dissolved constituents in the bath. Replace evaporated water with deionised or distilled water to restore the original working level. Do not use Gold Tank Replenisher to replace evaporated water.
Dragout Plating solution is carried out on workpieces and holders when they are removed from the bath, particularly where solution collects in holes or recesses. This removes gold and other dissolved constituents as well as water. Allow workpieces and holders to drain back into the plating bath before rinsing. Position articles so that trapped solution can drain from holes and recesses. Replace solution lost through dragout with fresh Gold Tank Plating Solution. Water alone will not replace the lost gold and other dissolved constituents.
Gold concentration has fallen / solution needs replenishing
 Gold has been removed from the solution during plating Gold is removed from the plating solution as it is deposited onto the work. As the bath is used, the gold concentration will gradually fall unless it is replenished. Use Gold Tank Replenisher to replace the gold used during plating. Use the Gold Tank Plating Calculator to calculate the amount required.
Uncertainty about the present gold concentration The bath has been used for some time and the current gold concentration is not known. Use the Gold Tank Concentration Calculator to estimate the gold concentration. This is only an approximate guide and may have an error of approximately ±1 g/L, so it should not be regarded as an accurate analysis.
Uncertainty about gold turnovers A 1 litre bath initially contains 4 g of gold. Gold Tank Replenisher contains 16 g/L gold, so replacing 4 g of gold requires 250 ml of replenisher. This is one gold turnover. Keep a record of the cumulative amount of Gold Tank Replenisher added. Five turnovers corresponds to 20 g of gold, or 1.25 litres of replenisher per litre of original bath. Six turnovers corresponds to 24 g of gold, or 1.50 litres of replenisher per litre of original bath.
Bath has reached the recommended turnover limit The bath has received approximately 5–6 gold turnovers. This means a cumulative addition of approximately 1.25–1.50 litres of Gold Tank Replenisher for each litre of original bath. It does not mean five or six individual replenishment additions. Replace the bath rather than continuing to replenish it indefinitely. As the bath approaches exhaustion it can become overloaded with potassium and potassium salts may begin to crystallise out.
Incorrect plating thickness
 Incorrect surface area estimated or calculated The measured thickness differs from the target even though the calculated amp setting and plating time were used. Irregular shapes, edges, recesses and multiple surfaces are easily underestimated. Recheck the total surface area in cm² and enter the corrected area and required thickness into the Gold Tank Plating Calculator. If you are unsure how to estimate the surface area, ask our Technical Assistant for help.
Temperature differs from that used for the calculation The calculated amp setting and plating time have been followed, but the measured thickness is consistently higher or lower than expected. Check the actual solution temperature and use the Gold Tank Plating Calculator with the appropriate temperature setting.
Agitation differs from that used for the calculation The calculated plating time has been followed, but the measured thickness differs from the target. Check that the actual agitation corresponds with the setting used in the Gold Tank Plating Calculator.
Deposit is bright but rough
 Particulate contamination of the plating solution The deposit retains its normal bright gold appearance but develops a rough or gritty surface. A common source is abrasive residue carried into the solution from the workpiece, particularly material trapped in holes, recesses and relief work. Dust from buffing and polishing machines is another major source of particulate contamination. Thoroughly rinse and inspect workpieces after polishing or abrasive preparation, paying particular attention to holes, recesses and relief work. Keep the plating area and solution protected from buffing and polishing dust. If contamination has entered the solution, filter it through suitable filter paper or use continuous cartridge filtration.
Deposit is pitted
 Gas bubbles reaching or adhering to the workpiece Small pits or pinholes appear where gas bubbles have contacted or remained on the surface. Gas is generated at both electrodes, with a substantial proportion generated at the anode. Excessively vigorous stirring can also draw air into the solution through the vortex produced by the stirrer. Use a bagged platinum rod electrode. The bag helps prevent bubbles generated at the anode from reaching the workpiece. Use suitable agitation, but avoid stirring so rapidly that a deep vortex forms and draws air into the solution. Reposition the article if necessary to prevent bubbles becoming trapped in recesses.
Particulate contamination Pits occur randomly and may be accompanied by roughness. Particles temporarily adhering to the surface can interfere with deposition. Filter the solution and eliminate the source of contamination. Check especially for abrasive residues carried in on workpieces and buffing or polishing dust entering the plating area.
Grease or oil contamination on the workpiece Pitting or small areas of poor coverage occur despite otherwise normal plating conditions. Water may bead or pull away from contaminated areas during rinsing. Repeat the surface preparation. Degrease thoroughly, then use the appropriate Spa Plating cleaning and activation process before replating.
Unplated areas
 Inadequate cleaning or activation Gold fails to deposit in isolated areas, often with an irregular boundary. A water-break during rinsing can indicate remaining grease or contamination. Repeat the surface preparation, making sure the article is thoroughly degreased and correctly activated before plating.
Porous, deeply scratched or poorly prepared underlying surface The unplated areas correspond with pores, deep scratches, pits or other defects in the underlying surface. Mechanically prepare or polish the surface to remove the defects before repeating the surface preparation and plating.
Underlying metal is difficult to plate directly Plating is satisfactory on some areas or materials but consistently fails on the particular underlying metal. Check the Process Sequences tab and use the correct preparation and plating sequence for the metal being plated.
Vertical tide marks
 Gas bubbles coalescing and travelling up the surface of the workpiece Vertical streaks or tide-like marks form in the direction that bubbles travel upwards across the surface. Use a bagged platinum rod electrode to help control anode-generated gas. Adjust the position of the workpiece and agitation so that bubbles are carried away rather than travelling repeatedly over the plated surface.
Poor agitation pattern or eddies produced by the stirrer The marks occur in a repeatable pattern and may change or disappear when the workpiece position or stirring speed is changed. Reposition the workpiece or stirrer and adjust the stirring speed to produce good solution movement without strong localised eddies or a vortex.
Plating fails the adhesive tape test or peels
 Inadequate cleaning or activation The gold fails the adhesive tape test or subsequently peels from the underlying surface. Remove the poorly adhered deposit and repeat the surface preparation. Make sure the article is thoroughly degreased and correctly activated where activation is required before replating.
Incorrect preparation method for the metal being plated The plating fails the adhesive tape test or adhesion problems occur consistently on a particular underlying metal even though the surface appears clean. Check the Process Sequences tab and use the correct preparation and plating sequence for the metal being plated.
Existing plating layer is poorly adhered The plating fails the adhesive tape test or peels together with an underlying plating layer. Examine the underside of the material removed by the tape. Its colour can help identify which plated layer has failed. For example, a gold-coloured underside indicates failure at the gold interface, while a silver- or copper-coloured underside indicates that the silver or copper plated layer respectively has failed at the interface beneath it. Remove the unstable plating back to a sound, well-adhered surface before replating. A new gold deposit cannot improve the adhesion of an unstable underlying layer.
Deposit built excessively thick without intermediate finishing Adhesion or surface quality deteriorates as a comparatively thick gold deposit is built up. For thicker deposits, follow the Gold Tank Plating Solution instructions for intermediate finishing or polishing rather than attempting to build the full thickness continuously.
Platinum electrode becomes discoloured
 Metallic gold has deposited onto the platinum electrode The platinum rod develops a gold, brown or darker discolouration during use. This is metallic gold deposited onto the electrode and is not detrimental to the functioning of the plating solution, provided the electrode is bagged. No corrective action is normally required. Continue using the platinum rod electrode with a suitable anode bag.

Preparing the surface for electroplating - creating a water break-free surface

Good surface preparation is one of the most important steps in successful electroplating. In fact, many plating problems occur because the metal surface hasn't been cleaned or prepared properly.

Before you start plating, your aim is to achieve a water break-free surface. This gives your plating solution the best possible chance of producing a sound, well-adhered finish.

The following guidance applies to pen, brush and tank electroplating.

What Is a Water Break-Free Surface?

A water break-free surface is a metal surface that’s completely clean and free from grease, oil and other contamination.

You can check this by holding your item under gently running water.

If the water flows evenly across the surface without forming droplets or pulling away into patches, you’ve achieved a water break-free surface.

However, if the water gathers into droplets or breaks apart, contamination may still be present. You’ll need to repeat the cleaning process before plating.

The photograph of the copper sheet above shows the difference.

On the top half of the copper sheet, contamination causes the water to gather into droplets.

On the bottom half, the water drains away evenly because the surface is clean. This is the water break-free finish you’re aiming for.

Water-break-free

Step 1: Make Sure Your Metal Has the Finish You Want

Before cleaning, check that your item has the surface finish you want to achieve.

Electroplating follows the contours of the underlying metal. Therefore, it won’t hide scratches or turn a matt surface into a highly polished one.

If your item needs polishing, complete this first.

If your work needs a lot of polishing and surface finishing you will need to make sure all of the residue from these processes are completely removed before attempting to electroplate.

For more information, see our guide to Hand and Machine Polishing Metal for Electroplating.

machine polishing

Step 2: Removing Polishing Compounds, Grease and Dirt

If you’ve polished your item with Autosol or used a polishing machine, you’ll need to remove any remaining polishing compounds.

Start by cleaning the surface with a suitable solvent or our MetaPrep.

Next, use liquid detergent to remove any remaining solvent or MetaPrep.

Finally, rinse thoroughly under running water until you’ve removed all traces of detergent.

This initial cleaning stage prepares your item for the final cleaning and activation process.

Step 3: Clean and Activate the Surface

Cleaning removes dirt, grease and oil. Activation removes the oxide layer that can form on metal surfaces.

Some metals, particularly stainless steel, nickel and nickel-containing alloys such as nickel silver, need special attention because of their oxide layers.

Spa Plating offers several ways to clean and activate your work. The best method depends on the metal you’re plating, its size and its surface condition.

For Small and Medium-Sized Items

If your item has a fairly smooth surface and isn’t made from stainless steel, nickel or a nickel-containing alloy, we recommend MPU (MetaPrep Ultra).

MPU removes remaining traces of oil while activating the metal surface at the same time.

Apply it using tissue paper, making sure you treat the whole surface.

For Stainless Steel, Nickel and More Difficult Surfaces

If you’re preparing stainless steel, nickel or nickel-containing alloys, we recommend our ActiClean.

ActiClean cleans and activates the surface in one process.

It’s also a useful choice for very large items or those with uneven surfaces.

For this process, use a Carbon Electrode, preferably, or a Platinum Electrode.

For Tank Plating and Items with Recesses

If you’re preparing items for tank plating, you can use our powered Cleaning Beaker together with our Cleaner. You can use our in-house designed and manufactured MultiPlater to power this stage.

This powered immersion method is particularly useful for items with rough surfaces or recesses.

For example, some surfaces may catch on a cleaning swab, while recessed areas can trap traces of MPU. The Cleaning Beaker provides an alternative way to prepare these items.

Step 4: Check for a Water Break-Free Surface

Once you’ve completed the cleaning and activation process, it’s time for the final check.

Hold your item under gently running water and watch how the water behaves.

If it flows evenly across the surface without forming droplets or breaking apart, your item has passed the water break-free test.

However, if the water gathers into droplets or pulls away from certain areas, repeat the appropriate cleaning steps.

Don’t start plating until you’ve achieved a water break-free surface.

Ready to Start Plating?

Once you’ve achieved a water break-free surface, you’re ready to move on to the appropriate plating process for your metal.

Remember, taking a little extra care during surface preparation can make a considerable difference to your final plating result.

Plating gold on copper, brass and bronze

  • Degrease
  • Electroclean
  • Rinse
  • Acticlean/Activator dip (no power)
  • Rinse
  • Plate a barrier layer of nickel with Nickel Tank Plating Solution to at least 3 microns. If it is not possible to plate nickel due to specifications, consider an alternative metal such as palladium
  • Rinse
  • Plate with Gold Tank Plating Solution

Note: Some types of brass may be difficult to plate directly with nickel. In this case, plate with Alkaline Copper Plating Solution for 5 minutes at a plating factor of 0.01 A/cm² prior to nickel plating.

Plating gold on nickel and its alloys (such as nickel silver and Monel)

  • Degrease
  • Electroclean
  • Rinse
  • Plate an adhesion layer of gold with NiPrep
  • No need to rinse; go directly to the gold plating stage
  • Plate with Gold Tank Plating Solution

Note: Nickel and its alloys may also be prepared for plating by gold striking, as described below.

Plating gold on stainless steel and difficult-to-plate metals such as surgical instruments and dental alloys

  • Degrease
  • Electroclean
  • Rinse
  • Plate an adhesion layer with Gold Strike Tank
  • Rinse
  • Plate with Gold Tank Plating Solution

Plating gold on to steel and iron

  • Degrease
  • Electroclean
  • Rinse
  • Plate with Alkaline Copper Tank Plating Solution for 5 minutes at a plating factor of 0.01 A/cm²
  • Rinse
  • Build up with Copper Tank Plating Solution (see note at end of article)
  • Rinse
  • Electroclean
  • Rinse
  • Plate a barrier layer of nickel with Nickel Tank Plating Solution to at least 3 microns. If it is not possible to plate nickel due to specifications, consider an alternative metal such as palladium
  • Rinse
  • Plate with Gold Tank Plating Solution

Plating gold on zinc (also see individual product pages)

  • Degrease
  • Electroclean
  • Rinse
  • Microetch in Activator for 1–2 minutes
  • Rinse
  • Plate with Alkaline Copper Tank Plating Solution for 5 minutes at a plating factor of 0.01 A/cm²
  • Rinse
  • Build up with Copper Tank Plating Solution (see note at end of article)
  • Rinse
  • Electroclean
  • Rinse
  • Plate with Nickel Tank Plating Solution to at least 3 microns
  • Rinse
  • Plate with Gold Tank Plating Solution

Note: For best results, zinc should be mechanically finished prior to plating. We advise polishing, linishing or very fine scratch brushing, such as the finish obtained with fine Scotch-Brite™ mops. Attempting to plate onto a coarse scratch-brushed surface may result in poor adhesion and unplated areas.

Plating gold on to aluminium

  • Degrease
  • Electroclean
  • Rinse
  • Zincate in Zincate Dip for 30 seconds to 2 minutes
  • Rinse
  • Plate with Alkaline Copper Tank Plating Solution for 5 minutes at a plating factor of 0.01 A/cm²
  • Rinse
  • Build up with Copper Tank Plating Solution (see note at end of article)
  • Rinse
  • Electroclean
  • Rinse
  • Nickel plate with Nickel Tank Plating Solution
  • Rinse
  • Plate with Gold Tank Plating Solution

Plating gold on tin and its alloys (pewter, Britannia metal and solder)

  • Degrease
  • Electroclean
  • Rinse
  • Plate with Alkaline Copper Tank Plating Solution for 5 minutes at a plating factor of 0.01 A/cm²
  • Rinse
  • Plate a barrier layer of nickel with Nickel Tank Plating Solution to at least 3 microns. If it is not possible to plate nickel due to specifications, consider an alternative metal such as palladium
  • Rinse
  • Plate with Gold Tank Plating Solution

More information about each process can be found on the individual product pages.

Note: If the article is expected to be used outdoors, for example on car parts, a protective copper layer of at least 10 microns should be plated with Copper Tank Plating Solution after the alkaline copper stage. After this, the article should be removed from the process and mechanically finished by polishing, linishing or fine scratch brushing prior to nickel plating.

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