Gold Plating Services’ 24K Brush Gold / Pen Gold Solutions are cobalt-hardened, acid gold, electroplating solutions that will yield a relatively low stress, fine-grained deposit with a hardness range of 130- 200 Knoop. These solutions are ideally suited for printed circuit board fingers, contacts, fine select applications, as well as decorative deposits.

The purity and hardness of the final electrodeposited gold will be equivalent to Type I and II, Grade C specifications as indicated in MIL-G-45204C, as follows:

Gold Content - Varies between solution type and volume
Purity - 99.7 percent gold minimum (24 karat) 
Hardness - Knoop hardness 130-200
Density of Plate - 12.45 mg/in²/µm (thickness)
Theoretical Coverage - 1 gram of fine gold has a coverage of about 320in² with the gold plated to an average decorative thickness.

 
Note: this coverage is based on the assumption that all gold in the solution will be deposited. In actual practice this is not likely since there is normally solution loss during use. 

Usage Notes:

  • Brush and Pen plating produce a plate that is not as consistent across the surface as bath plating. The deposit is affected by voltage, current, how much gold is in the sleeve, speed and pattern of movement across the surface, and the type of area/surface it is applied to.
  • The best way to determine how much solution to use is by calculating surface area, then determining how much gold is needed to achieve the desired thickness of gold plate. Make sure to use up that entire amount of solution within that surface area.
  • When planning a project, account for solution loss. This occurs through solution that drips from the item and the handle as well as unintentional over-deposits in certain areas.
  • A dark or dull gold deposit referred to as "burning" is caused by too high of a voltage or by moving the sleeve or tip too slowly while plating. It can be easily polished off with a soft cloth or a paste made of baking soda and water.
  • Gold gel can become damaged if it freezes or dries out, however dried gold gel can often be revived by mixing in a few drops of distilled water at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Operating Conditions

Temperature -   Room  

Anode / Application Tip -   Pen: Felt Tip - fine or medium 
Brush: Type 316 Stainless Steel Bit or Platinized Titanium Bit with a Cotton Sleeve    
Note: Ensure sleeves and tips are thoroughly soaked prior to use.

Voltage -   Pen: 3-4 Volts
Brush: 2.5 - 3 Volts
Caution: Start voltage low and work up; voltage varies based on item size and speed of movement. 

Agitation -   Continuous solution movement over surface

Shelf Life -   If stored at room temperature, properly sealed solution has a shelf life of ~2 years


Read and understand SDS sheets before using. For professional use by trained technicians only.