does gold flash plated tarnish | does 24k gold plated tarnish

Gold flash plating, also known as gold electroplating, is a popular method of imparting the luxurious look of gold to jewelry and other items without the hefty price tag of solid gold. It involves depositing a very thin layer of gold – often just a fraction of a micron thick – onto a base metal such as brass, copper, nickel, or silver. While beautiful and affordable, the question of whether gold flash plated items tarnish is a common concern. The simple answer is yes, gold flash plated items *can* tarnish, although the rate and extent of tarnishing depend on several factors.

Before we discuss tips to prevent tarnishing, let's tackle why it occurs in the first place. Tarnishing is largely due to the fact that gold plating is a thin layer above a base metal, which is more susceptible to reacting with environmental elements. This article will delve deep into the reasons behind tarnishing, explore the differences between various gold plating types, offer practical tips for preventing tarnish, and discuss alternative materials that offer similar aesthetics without the drawbacks of flash plating.

The Science of Tarnish: Why Gold Flash Plated Items Are Vulnerable

Gold itself is a noble metal, meaning it's chemically inert and highly resistant to oxidation and corrosion. Pure gold (24K gold) practically doesn't tarnish under normal conditions. However, gold flash plating is far from pure gold. Its extreme thinness is the key factor in its vulnerability.

Here's a breakdown of the process and why it leads to tarnishing:

1. Base Metal Exposure: The gold layer in flash plating is so thin that it's often porous or contains microscopic imperfections. These imperfections, along with eventual wear and tear, create pathways for the base metal underneath to come into contact with the environment.

2. Reaction with Environmental Elements: Base metals like copper and silver readily react with moisture, oxygen, sulfur, and other chemicals present in the air, as well as substances found in cosmetics, perfumes, and even sweat.

3. Formation of Tarnish: The reaction between the base metal and environmental elements forms a layer of corrosion products on the surface. This layer is what we perceive as tarnish. Common examples include copper oxide (which appears reddish-brown or black) and silver sulfide (which appears black).

4. Migration to the Surface: The tarnish formed on the base metal can migrate through the microscopic imperfections in the gold plating and eventually appear on the surface, dulling the gold's luster and changing its color.

Different Gold Plating Thicknesses and Their Tarnish Resistance

The thickness of the gold plating significantly impacts its tarnish resistance. While "flash plating" generally implies a very thin layer, there are varying degrees of plating thickness that affect longevity.

* Gold Flash Plating (Electroplating): This is the thinnest type, typically measuring less than 0.5 microns (0.0005 millimeters). It provides a temporary gold color and is the most prone to tarnishing. Flash plating is often used for inexpensive jewelry and novelty items.

* Gold Plating: Slightly thicker than flash plating, it typically ranges from 0.5 to 2.5 microns. It offers better durability and tarnish resistance than flash plating, but it's still susceptible to wear and tear.

* Gold Vermeil: This involves plating sterling silver with a layer of gold that is at least 2.5 microns thick. Vermeil offers a good balance of affordability and durability. Since the base metal is sterling silver, the tarnish is usually silver sulfide, which can be polished away more easily than the tarnish on base metals like copper.

* Gold Filled: This is not plating at all, but rather a process where a layer of gold is mechanically bonded to a base metal. The gold layer is much thicker than plating, typically 5% or more of the item's weight. Gold filled jewelry offers significantly better tarnish resistance and durability than plated items.

Does Karat Affect Tarnish in Gold Plating? (14K, 18K, and 24K Gold Plating)does gold flash plated tarnish

The karat of the gold used in plating also plays a role, albeit a secondary one compared to the thickness of the plating.

* 24K Gold Plating: As mentioned earlier, 24K gold is pure gold and highly resistant to tarnishing. However, because it's very soft, it's rarely used for plating alone. It's often alloyed with other metals to increase its durability for plating purposes. While the gold itself won't tarnish, the thinness of the layer means the base metal is still vulnerable.

* 18K Gold Plating: 18K gold contains 75% gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, silver, or zinc. These other metals can slightly increase the potential for tarnishing compared to 24K gold, but the difference is usually negligible, especially since the base metal is the primary concern in flash plating.

* 14K Gold Plating: 14K gold contains 58.3% gold and 41.7% other metals. It's more durable than 18K or 24K gold, making it a common choice for jewelry. However, the higher percentage of other metals can slightly increase the likelihood of tarnishing compared to higher karat gold plating. Again, the thickness of the plating and the type of base metal are the most important factors.