First attempt at gold plating

[swany100]

Hi all hope your all well after stripping the pvd coating from a VSF bluesy with 18k gold plate as you can see from the pictures the shade is slightly darker than the GEN link
So my question is has anyone tried going to 14k with any success on shade or is it too pale any suggestions are welcome

 

[Slugger]

Upper is rep. Bottom is gen?

18k is 75% gold and the other 25% is a mixture of other metals. As such, you can have 18k yellow, white, and rose gold depending on what makes up the 25%. Rolex has their own proprietary alloy so getting an exact color match, while theoretically doable, is going to be a very deep rabbit hole.

Looks great by the way.

 

[swany100]

Thanks for the reply I’ve just tried 14k thinking that going paler would do it but it’s no where near i might post a few pictures tonight too see what anyone thinks

 

[Cubatobaco]

Keep at it! It's all trial and error. Once you find that combo, you will have some business on your hands!

 

[zinduna]

I cant speak to 14 or 18 carat gold tones but I have a plating setup (Jewel Master Pro) that I use to white gold plate my watches. I have found different tonal results can happen depending on the temperature of the mixture, how long it's exposed, etc. For me it was a matter of trial and error (and detailed note taking) to figure out what works best. Once I got it dialed in, I was able to achieve consistent results.

 

[swany100]

I cant speak to 14 or 18 carat gold tones but I have a plating setup (Jewel Master Pro) that I use to white gold plate my watches. I have found different tonal results can happen depending on the temperature of the mixture, how long it's exposed, etc. For me it was a matter of trial and error (and detailed note taking) to figure out what works best. Once I got it dialed in, I was able to achieve consistent results.

Thanks for the reply I’ve read that. I’ve got some 12k samples on the way and hoping that there close and will go from there
I have recently found out that Rolex start out with a 75%gold and 25%silver no copper and then add various hardening powdered alloys and ceramic to bring the hardness which in turn changes the colour slightly again

 

[zinduna]

I found these technical data sheets helpful: https://www.goldplating.com/pages/technical-data-sheets. Follow the instructions to the letter for best results.

My jam is patek reps, particularly white gold ones, and I learned that their makeup is 75% gold, 12.5% silver and 12.5% palladium. Different brands use different alloys. The best way to replicate this on a stainless steel base is: 1. electro cleaner, 2. trival gold strike, 3. 24K gold plate. Then, woods nickel strike followed by palladium. This gives a warm gold base over which palladium is applied. Some skip the gold underlayer, which is a mistake. Another mistake is to use rhodium to plate -- PP stopped using rhodium in 2006. Weird watch arcana

 

[derjenigewelcher]

Hi all hope your all well after stripping the pvd coating from a VSF bluesy with 18k gold plate as you can see from the pictures the shade is slightly darker than the GEN link
So my question is has anyone tried going to 14k with any success on shade or is it too pale any suggestions are welcome

Great work. There are electrolytes where you take 24c gold and add em for making brighter. If you do this drip by drip, you cann achieve EVERY gold tone from 24k gold to absolute white gold. So just like cooking, make a recipie

 

[swany100]

Great work. There are electrolytes where you take 24c gold and add em for making brighter. If you do this drip by drip, you cann achieve EVERY gold tone from 24k gold to absolute white gold. So just like cooking, make a recipie

Hi I’ve seen the gold brighterners but they only work in 24k soft gold plating and I’m using hard bright gold solution much better for watches and longevity I think I’ll see how the 12 k tone is and then make a disision on which way to go

 

[swany100]

I found these technical data sheets helpful: https://www.goldplating.com/pages/technical-data-sheets. Follow the instructions to the letter for best results.

My jam is patek reps, particularly white gold ones, and I learned that their makeup is 75% gold, 12.5% silver and 12.5% palladium. Different brands use different alloys. The best way to replicate this on a stainless steel base is: 1. electro cleaner, 2. trival gold strike, 3. 24K gold plate. Then, woods nickel strike followed by palladium. This gives a warm gold base over which palladium is applied. Some skip the gold underlayer, which is a mistake. Another mistake is to use rhodium to plate -- PP stopped using rhodium in 2006. Weird watch arcana

Thanks for that pal I’ll take a look

 

[derjenigewelcher]

Hi I’ve seen the gold brighterners but they only work in 24k soft gold plating and I’m using hard bright gold solution much better for watches and longevity I think I’ll see how the 12 k tone is and then make a disision on which way to go

IMO flushing with 24k yellow hardgold first and over THAT plating with soft gold is the way

 

[davelister]

I cant speak to 14 or 18 carat gold tones but I have a plating setup (Jewel Master Pro) that I use to white gold plate my watches. I have found different tonal results can happen depending on the temperature of the mixture, how long it's exposed, etc. For me it was a matter of trial and error (and detailed note taking) to figure out what works best. Once I got it dialed in, I was able to achieve consistent results.

I've been looking at the Jewel Master Pro for replating vintage watches. How are you finding the system?

 

[zinduna]

How are you finding the system?

I bought mine from a Craigslist seller; it's the only one I've used, so I can't compare it to anything else. It does a great job, and the manufacturer, Goldplating.com, provides tech support and detailed YouTube videos. I buy my chemicals through them too, so all in all, it's been an excellent system for a hobbyist. Once you get your formula figured out, it's pretty straightforward.

 

[davelister]

I bought mine from a Craigslist seller; it's the only one I've used, so I can't compare it to anything else. It does a great job, and the manufacturer, Goldplating.com, provides tech support and detailed YouTube videos. I buy my chemicals through them too, so all in all, it's been an excellent system for a hobbyist. Once you get your formula figured out, it's pretty straightforward.

Fantastic - sounds like a winner for the price.

 

[swany100]

Fantastic - sounds like a winner for the price.

I’ve just received my latest colour sample it would be be nice for some feedback if anyone can spare a moment
Gen vrs Plated
Thanks

 

[Pinion Minion]

That looks pretty damn nice- well done!

Lets see some natural sunlight comparison shots

 

[davelister]

That looks very very close. Almost spot on.

 

[davelister]

I have a vintage gen I want replated and I was considering sending into goldplating.com - trying to estimate the surface area is a huge pain though.

 

[swany100]

That looks pretty damn nice- well done!

Lets see some natural sunlight comparison shots

Will do tomorrow

 

[swany100]

That looks very very close. Almost spot on.

Yes pretty close