antiquing gold plate

[michaels]

I have some small ornaments made of plastic covered with gold plate (quite thin, I imagine). Is there some sort of solution I can apply to the ornaments to give them an "antique" look? If so, what is the solution and how might I obtain it?

[Russ Nobbs]

Without knowing exactly what you have I'm hesitant to suggest things as they may destroy the ornaments. Most "antique" finishes are applied during the plating process.

You might check at large craft stores, like Michaels, JoAnn, Hobby Lobby, etc and ask if they have any "paint on" products that would give an antiqued patina without attacking the existing finish. In other words, you want a surface treatment that looks antique. You don't want a chemical to attack and antique the current finish.

Years ago we "antiqued" plated filigree findings by spraying on cheap black paint and tumbling them with a small amount of paint thinner.  This left a layer of black in the crevices and only thinned out darkening on th high spots.  Depending on your ornaments you might be able to adapt this. Spray a light coat of black paint and quickly wipe it down with a soft cloth dampened with paint thinner.  Try this is a well ventilted area. As they say, your mileage may vary...

[PrairieGal]

There is a blueing agent that is used on gun metal that will antique many metals. I don't know if it would work on the ornaments. You can buy it where sporting goods and guns are found.

[Metalman]

Just a reminder - stuff like the blueing agent mentioned and lots of other patina solutions are frequently acid based and are classified 'hazardous chemicals' use wisely and well ventilated

[cwolf]

If you know the item is gold you can oxidize it with veterinary
iodine. This will stain the gold with a rusty brown tint color. You can get veterinary iodine at a farm & ranch store.