Gold plating is the process of coating a metal object with a thin layer of gold. It is often used to enhance the appearance of an object or to protect it from corrosion. Gold plating a gun can be expensive, depending on the size and type of gun. The process can cost anywhere from $1000 to $5000.
Gold plating a gun is not a process that should be taken lightly. It is important to understand the cost associated with this type of customization before taking the plunge.
Cost Factors to Consider to Gold Plate a Gun
Gold plating a gun can be a very advantageous process, but there are several factors to consider before starting.
Gun Types
The first, and most important, is the type of gun that is being gold plated. Not all guns can be gold plated, and some can not be worth the investment.
Thickness
The second factor is the thickness of the gold plating. Not all guns are worth gold plating and some can not hold up to the amount of pressure that is put on them during the process.
The thicker the gold plating, the longer it will last.
Quality of the Gold
The purity of gold is measured in karats, and the higher the karat value, the more pure the gold.
When gold plating a gun, it is important to use high-karat gold so that the plating will be durable and resist wear and tear.
24 karat gold is the best, but it can be expensive. The price of 24K gold per ounce is anywhere from $1500 to $2000.
NOTE: Gold prices vary every day.
Types of Gold Plating
There are several different types of gold plating. They all have different levels of thickness and can be used for different types of guns.
The most common form of gold plating is an electroplating process.
This type of plating is done by using a combination of electricity, water, and some type of acid to deposit the gold onto the item that you are trying to gold plate.
Electroplating is typically used for small to medium-sized items. The cost of an electroplating process may vary from $30 to $50 per thousand.
The next common form of plating is known as a chemical bath immersion process. This process uses acid and a strong base to deposit the gold onto the item that you are trying to gold plate.
The cost of a chemical bath immersion process may vary from $40 to $55 per thousand.
The top 3 Gold plated types are:
- Alkaline gold cyanide, for gold and gold alloy plating.
- Neutral gold cyanide, for high-purity plating.
- Acid gold plating for bright hard gold and gold alloy plating.
Finish Types
There are many types of finishes that can be applied to firearms. The most popular finishes are Bluing, Parkerizing, and Anodizing.
While each finish has its own benefits, some are better suited for certain applications than others. Here is a look at the different finishes.
Bluing
The oldest finish for firearms is bluing. It is a form of aniline blue, which comes from the coal tar process. Bluing is used to protect metal by reducing friction and wear on the surface of firearms.
It costs around $100 dollar.
Parkerizing
Parkerizing is a form of bluing that is applied to the metal via an acid bath. The process produces a hard, non-reflective surface with corrosion resistance.
It’s most commonly used on firearms because it is resistant to rust and corrosion. It costs around $80 dollar.
Labor Cost
The process of gold plating a firearm begins with stripping the original finish from the gun. Once the gun is stripped, it is then cleaned and polished.
After it is polished, it is then ready to be plated with gold. The gold finish not only looks great but also helps to protect the gun from corrosion.
The cost of labor to gold plate a gun can vary depending on the type of gun, the size of the gun, and the amount of gold needed for plating.
Generally, the cost of labor to gold plate a gun starts at around $50 and can go up to several hundred dollars.
Why People Gold Plate Their Guns
People gold plate their guns for a variety of reasons, including adding personal style, making the gun look more expensive, and making the gun stand out from others.
Some people also believe that gold plating can make guns more effective or deadly. While there is no evidence that this is true, many people still choose to gold plate their firearms.
- Gold is such a difficult metal to work with, but the end result is worth it.
- Unlike other plating techniques, gold plating actually improves the metal’s appearance and makes it more durable.
- It also protects the metal from rust and corrosion.
- Other plating techniques such as silver plating or diamond plating are not as hard on the metal as gold plating is.
- As long as you take care of the gun and use it properly, the finish will last a lifetime.
- Gold plating is a popular way to customize firearms.
Different Types of Gun With Gold Plated Cost
| Gun | Costs |
| Handgun | $400 – $500 |
| Rifle | $450 – $550 |
| Shotgun | $500 – $600 |
The cost chart excludes labor costs.
Reducing Cost to Gold Plating Your Gun
Gold plating a gun can be an expensive process, but there are ways to reduce the cost. One way is to use a less expensive type of gold.
Another way is to plate the gun with a thin layer of gold. This can be done by using a gold solution that is sprayed on the gun.
Ask for a discount or look for it or even you can wait for their sales event. If you are confident enough then you may buy a gold plating kit and plate by yourself.
Finally, you can choose a less expensive type of metal to plate the gun with.
Benefits of Gold Plate a Gun
There are a number of benefits to gold plating a gun.
- Firstly, gold is corrosion resistant, so it can help to protect the firearm from rust and other damage.
- Secondly, gold is a good conductor of electricity, so it can help to improve the firing mechanism of the gun.
- Finally, gold is naturally beautiful and hard to damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it costs a lot of money to gold plate a gun. It can be an expensive process, but it is worth it for those who want to have a unique and luxurious gun.
Gold plating can also make a gun more valuable, so it is a great way to add value to your firearm.
If you are interested in having your gun gold plated, be sure to contact a professional to get an estimate.