Gold plating is a method of placing a layer of gold onto another metal. Although you may first think of gold plating in terms of jewelry, gold plating is actually used in a wide variety of projects, including on such varied items as electronics, silverware, plumbing fixtures, guns, automobile accessories and personal mementos.
Whether you are operating (or plan to operate) your own gold plating business or just need items--large or small--plated for other products you're producing, there are several possible avenues. Consider the following:
1. Do you need to purchase gold coating machines?
2. Will you require gold plating equipment and supplies?
3. Is your best gold plating solution to contract the work out?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Purchase a new or used gold plating machine
Whether you're just starting up a gold plating business or you're seeking to replace old machines, there are a number of good sources for buying plating machinery. Gold plating machines vary greatly, running from small business and hobby-type machines to larger, industrial machines. Seek one that will best suit the heavy or light use you require.
I recommend: Brush Plating Specialists sells several gold plating machines, plus accessories.
Gold Plating Services offers gold plating system kits, complete with accessories.
Becker Industries provides a nice line of gold plating machines; click on the model that interests you to gather more information.
Find gold plating equipment and supplies
When it comes to gold plating supplies, there are numerous sources. Some offer only common chemicals, while others provide a wider line of accessories, including kits and safety equipment.
I recommend: Warren's Gold Mine sells gold plating supplies, such as chemicals and accessories.
Dalmar Plating offers kits for those working in jewelry and automotive industries.
Contenti Jewelry Making Supplies provides plating racks, anodes, beakers and safety equipment for gold plating.
Discover gold plating services
If gold plating isn't the primary aspect of your work, it may make business sense to hire the services of gold plating companies. Most offer plating for jewelry, and some offer it for automotive work, technology or other commercial and industrial needs.
I recommend: Three Rivers Gold Plating Company offers professional gold plating for commercial needs.
Metal Art Specialties provides gold electroplating services on jewelry, engineering and specialty items; they offer several colors, including rose and white gold plating.
Professional Plating is a business-to-business (B2B) provider of plating on small and large items.
Precision Plating Company does plating for electronics and other technologies.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- If you don't envision gold plating being your primary business but still require limited gold plating services, consider buying your own equipment. Gold plating isn't difficult to learn, and modern gold plating machines are easy to use.
The official source of Gold Plating is the Gold Plating page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
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GlobalSpec: Gold PlatingEngineering search engine for technical information on gold plating companies. Browse catalogs and contact suppliers.
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