Gold glaze

[CeramicHugs]

I found it! They use a process called eletroplating! Another name for it is eletroforming. All the wal-marts, homegoods and all the others are using this process to make their ceramics and other products gold in colour. 

So google the phrase ceramic eletroplating or eletroforming. 

https://youtu.be/Zxd_uzRW3OM

[Bill Kielb]

Nice just some conductive paint and you are on your way! Looks like somewhat non functional stuff (I should probably say non food contact or something like that)  though, but nice for its use.

Edited August 10, 2023 by Bill Kielb

[CeramicHugs]

I just got into pottery about 4 months ago and I'd like to keep my process somewhat low tech, but I'm sure that at some point I'll invest in this system to plate some things! Do you you guys think you'll use electroplating on your pottery? 

Love you guys! 

[Rae Reich]

Guessing that explains the metallic finish on Jeff Koons’ porcelain balloon dog figures. 

[Bill Kielb]

1 hour ago, CeramicHugs said:

Do you you guys think you'll use electroplating on your pottery? 

 

I likely would not. China paint and lusters are still more durable for my use and as accents. This depends on the conductive paint beneath so likely not as temperature resistant. Having said that, this process is pretty neat for vases and such and solves the mirror finish dilemma, especially when coating an entire surface.

[Callie Beller Diesel]

Sure won’t! It’s neat, but not something I want to do in my own work. Plus, I have to think the waste disposal on that would be a whole thing. If I want a little bit of shiny, I’ll spend the $80 on 5 ml lustre. 

[Min]

There was a forum member here years ago who did electroforming with copper. Look up @Bob Coyle, there are links to his gallery page plus ones where is discusses his process. 

https://community.ceramicartsdaily.org/gallery/album/590-electroformed-ceramics-and-forged-metal/

https://community.ceramicartsdaily.org/topic/4229-anyone-else-doing-electroforming-out-there/

[PeterH]

On 8/10/2023 at 3:49 AM, CeramicHugs said:

They use a process called eletroplating! Another name for it is eletroforming.

... or perhaps not.

Electroplating vs Electroforming: What’s The Difference?
https://facfox.com/docs/kb/electroplating-vs-electroforming-whats-the-difference

Electroforming
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electroforming
The process involves passing direct current through an electrolyte containing salts of the metal being electroformed. The anode is the solid metal being electroformed, and the cathode is the mandrel, onto which the electroform gets plated (deposited). The process continues until the required electroform thickness is achieved. The mandrel is then either separated intact, melted away, or chemically dissolved. ... my emphasis

PS Note that when the form is to be separated from the mandrel it is advantageous if the electro-deposited layer is only weakly attached to the mandrel. For electroplating strong adhesion is desirable.