Removing Gold

Tom Militano

Tom Militano

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Feb 27, 1999
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This is off the knifemakers subject, but a friend of mine asked me and I don't know the answer. How is gold removed from an object, without sanding it off? It's plated on it. Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
Tom, gold plating is usually not very thick, and can be buffed off, or rubbed/polished off by hand with a mildly abrasive compound.

Edited to add: I've done both, it DOES work, and it's fairly easy on a smooth surface!!
 
It can be removed with cyanide but I wouldn't suggest that unless you really know what you are doing.But that's the only way I know that works.
 
Thanks for the replies. I don't think he'll be fooling around with cyanide, at least not in my shop. I've got enough stuff in the shop now, as most knifemakers do, that can hurt me. I understand there is cyanide in some glues, in small amounts.
 
I have a plating rectifier that is supposed to stip the plating if the polarity is reversed. I havent tried it yet but Im willing to try your piece if I could hobble out to the shop. Give me a week or two.
 
I appreciate the offer Bruce, but he's already left with it. He's going to sand it off with some fine paper. Don't ask me why, but he wants the gold off. Thanks.
 
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