Plate gold and silver fabrication involves the creation of gold or silver as a layer on a base metal. The base metal can be brass or copper. This is a technique commonly used for metalwork and jewellery making. There are many fabricators on the market and you need to select a company that is able to provide a higher quality product at a competitive price.

Electroplating is the process used to apply a thin layer of gold or silver metal onto the base. But before this happens, the base metal is prepared to ensure that it adheres properly to gold or silver. It is cleaned and then immersed in an electrolyte solution that has ions of gold or silver. Once an electric current passes through this solution, the gold or silver ions will get attracted to the base metal creating a layer of gold or silver on it. Sheet metal comes in many sizes and you can learn more here about the standard sizes you can obtain on the market. When purchasing sheet metal, you need to consider the quality of the base metal. It should be a metal that can withstand the electroplating process without getting distorted. You should also choose a metal that has a high level of durability and is resistant to corrosion so that the finished product can last a long time. This is why brass and copper are usually used for this process.  

You can choose the thickness of the plating.

You will be able to achieve a more luxurious finish that has high durability when you choose a thicker layer. But this tends to be more expensive. You need to consider your budget and the requirements of the project when selecting the thickness. Longevity of plated gold and silver also depends on how well they are maintained. If these are exposed to harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, the plating can be damaged. Cleaning these products should be done with a solution of mild soap and water using a soft cloth. Polishing agents should not be used as it can strip the plating away.

The cost of the sheet fabrication depends on the thickness or gauge of the plating and the quality of the base metal. Thicker layers of gold and silver will cost more. Also high quality base metals like copper and brass metals will also drive up the price. Specialised skills and expertise is required for gold or silver sheet fabrication and the workshop should have the right equipment to ensure high accuracy of the end result. You can ask to see samples of previous work to get an idea of their expertise. You can also ask the fabricator about the level of customisation they can provide especially when it comes to the size of sheet metal. Plate gold or silver can be used for decorative metalwork and jewellery but you need to note that durability of the finished work depends on the thickness and quality of materials used.