Can You Gold Plate the Hardware on a Bag?

[just_me]

I have a problem.. I have many bags in silver hardware.. but they just feel so old now.. I would like to get the hardware gold pleated, it should not be difficult.. has anyone had this done before??

Is it possible? Would a jeweler take on such a job??

Please help!!

 

[jujulabee]

I have a problem.. I have many bags in silver hardware.. but they just feel so old now.. I would like to get the hardware gold pleated, it should not be difficult.. has anyone had this done before??

Is it possible? Would a jeweler take on such a job??

Please help!!

Anything theoretically can be replated but it would be quite expensive as all hardware would have to be removed and then replaced -- this could only be done by a very skilled leatherworker -- assuming that the various parts could even be taken off without damaging the bag.

Plating itself is also expensive -- I had investigated as I had some antique sconces and chandeliers.

Unless the bag is extraordinarily valuable, it is probably not economically logical -- even if feasible -- i.e. you took it to a leatherworker and metal plater and confirmed the job could be done.

I am not sure silver hardware it passe though as I see lots of bags sold with it.

As with any type of fashion object, an individual can tire of the look of something -- perhaps you can sell it to recoup some of your investment or put it away until it looks fresh to you.

 

[just_me]

Thanks so much for your help darling!!

I called a place today and they said that the hardware would have to be removed.. is this really necessary?? Can't they just cover the bag slightly? I really love the bag it would just be perfect in gold hardware.

I would be willing to spend a bit doing it as I do love the bag, but really have a thing for gold now! =D

 

[jujulabee]

No -- the plating process involves dipping the hardware into specially charged vats of the metal -- several times. It is not "painted on" or "polished" on. The process is actually properly called electroplating because of the use of positive and negative charges to cause the metal to adhere to the surface.

 

[just_me]

OH..
Ok, thanks for your knowledge..

 

[just_me]

Are there any other ways of plating apart from electroplating? I'm just quite desperate.. and I don't know about removing the hardware.. where should i even begin to look to ask about such a thing?

 

[just_me]

I'm thinking about just doing it with gold spray doean anyone know of a good quality one?

or is that a crazy idea? I can just put another layer on when it starts to fade..

 

[Meg]

I was going to suggest the above. it's really the only option you have. This to me would be quite easy/difficult depending on the bag and the hardware. you'd just have to be very careful when taping it to make sure that you won't get any spray on the leather.

 

[just_me]

Thanks Meg.

It does seem to be my only option, the hardware is really, really smooth metal.. I wonder if it would stick? I sprayed a pair of shoes years and years ago and the spreay keept going everywhere.. I told myself never again.. but surley the sprays must be more advanced now??

What about people that sprays cars?? I'm just thinking.. maybe they could do it? Do they have small sprayers? I have no idea.. does anyone have any suggestions abot where to go?

I'm desperate..

 

[Meg]

people that spray cars tend also to do big jobs (my parents got our old fridge sprayed way back in the day from avocado to cream) but probably not small jobs. Any sort of artshop or design student who may have access to an airbrush should be able to do it. i spray painted leather shoes i had about 2 years ago and i just went to an art supply shop and asked them for spray that was special for leather. I will try and think of anywhere else you could go to get this done.....

 

[just_me]

Wow meg! I never expected such a great response you are a genius!! So very sweet of you to give me advice..

SO... where do I find these art stundents.. does it have to be a special artshop? Can you recommend any place at all in London that might have it?

 

[Meg]

ah london - now we are talking. I got my spray from a supply shop on drury lane. Lots of places around there (ie the west end) should be able to help you since they will be used to doing theatre stuff. Honestly, I would just go in and talk to them. it's a famous art supply shop. just google art shop drury lane and it should pop up. Any of them should be able to recommend something to go over metal or know someone who might be able to help.

 

[just_me]

Cheers babe! You are a star!! =D

I might be on to something here... if they cover parts of the bag up they shopuld be able to do it.. ohh.. I can't thank you enough! I was really lost... as taking of the pars I'm quite sure would damage the bag.

 

[~Angela~]

What bag are you thinking of plating? I am being nosy

 

[just_me]

An old Fendi bag.. I really love it.. but the hardware is silver, so I want to change it!! lol... I haven't used it in a long time because it doesn not work with my jewellry.

I also have a few others..

 

[~Angela~]

You should take before and after pictures of the bag. I would love to see how it comes out.

 

[Luna]

I'm afraid that airbrushing gold paint over your silver hardware will just end up in you having chipping paint after a while.

I really really really reccommend you don't do this. At least not on a bag you care about.

Why don't you take yourself to Lowes, or a home improvement store, pick up a steel ring, spraypaint it with something and see how you like it first.

But I really think the spraypaing thing won't work... your best bet is to take the bag to a professional and have the hardware replaced to gold hardware.

 

[just_me]

Thanks Luna: I don't really mind the chipping paint..i guess.. as then i can just have it done again, i would imagine it not being very expensive either.

I'm just lost about where to go to get the hardware removed?? I have no idea.. AND removing the hardware might leave holes in the bag that can't be fixed they can't know for sure can they?

 

[Elegance.Is.Refusal.]

could you not use car spray paint? as its used for covering metals.

its easy enough to find in halfords.

 

[Luna]

If you spray it, just make sure you test it out on another similar piece of metal that isnt' attached to the bag, just so you can see.

good luck on the hardware makeover!