Jewelry with gold plating can become dull and dingy, affecting its appearance. Some people claim that metal polish can be used to clean the piece without damaging it.
However, this method can damage the base metal and cause rust. Instead, there are several other methods that can be used to clean a gold plated watch without damaging it.
Use Toothpaste
Although solid gold is a very durable metal, it’s still vulnerable to damage from everyday wear and tear. For this reason, many people choose to cover silver or other more robust metals with a layer of gold, creating a less expensive and more durable product. However, even these products can still suffer from general wear and tear if not cleaned properly. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that can be taken to keep your watch looking new and shiny.
Toothpaste is an easy and readily available alternative to other jewelry cleaners, but it should be used carefully. This is because toothpaste contains mild abrasives which can scratch and damage your watch’s gold plating. To avoid this, make sure you use a non-whitening formula toothpaste and apply the solution to a clean cloth, rather than directly onto your watch.
When rubbing your watch with toothpaste, be sure to scrub the grooves in the case and strap thoroughly. You should also aim to get in between any gaps and rivets, as these areas can trap grime build-up. Once you’re satisfied with your work, remember to dry your watch with a clean cloth thoroughly so that no water is left sitting on the metal.
In addition to toothpaste, there are several other household items that can be used to clean gold jewelry, including baking soda and vinegar. Vinegar can be particularly effective if you happen to have a bottle lying around, as it’s often used as a natural cleaning agent. To use this method, apply your chosen cleaner to a clean cloth and rub it all over your watch in small circular motions. Be sure to dry your watch with a separate cloth afterward, and you should find that it’s as good as new.
Solid gold will never tarnish, but gold-plated watches and jewelry can fade over time. The best way to prevent this is to keep your jewelry away from water, which can oxidize and cause it to lose its luster. Another way to protect your watch is by adding a clear coating or lacquer. This will protect your watch from scratches, water, and dirt, and can be bought at most hardware stores.
Remove Scratches
When it comes to gold plated watches, many of the same methods used on solid gold watches will work well to remove scratches. However, it is important to remember that a scratch removal technique must be very gentle on the watch and must be repeated frequently to prevent further damage. It is also a good idea to practice any new method or tool on another piece of metal that is not as expensive as your watch so you can get used to using the tool and learn how to use it effectively.
To remove scratches from a gold-plated watch, start by shining a light on the surface of the watch to locate them. Then, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a clean cloth or cotton ball and rub it gently on the scratches in small circular polishing motions. This will help to remove the scratches and leave the watch looking shiny and brand new.
If the scratches are severe, they may need to be polished by a jeweler. If the scratches are shallow and short, they should be able to be removed with toothpaste or a jewelry cleaner.
There are several commercial jewelry cleaning solutions and even car polishes that are safe for use on gold plated items. However, it is a good idea to check the label on any product before using it to make sure that it will not harm your watch or other items that are plated with gold.
Another option to consider is fiberglass polishing pens or so-called scratch brushes. These pens are designed to be used on brushed gold and can help to smooth out light scratches in the finish of your watch without damaging the plating. You can find them at most jewelry stores.
If the watch is heavily tarnished and none of these methods works, try using a commercial product called Brasso. It is a metal polish that will not only remove the tarnish but also protect your watch from future tarnishing. It is available in both cream and liquid form and is a great choice for gold-plated watches.
Use Diamond Paste
If your watch has deep scratches or stains it is important to polish them out carefully. It is best to do this by hand as it will ensure that you don’t strip the gold plating off your watch. You can purchase a metal polishing cloth from most hardware stores that comes pre-moistened with cleaning solution to make this process easier. Be sure to use a pair of latex gloves to protect your hands and eyes as you will be working with abrasives. To polish your watch, start by applying a small amount of the polishing compound to the cloth and rub it over the surface of your watch. If you have a lot of scratches or stains on your watch, you will need to repeat this step several times until the surface looks shiny and smooth.
If you don’t want to do a thorough job yourself you can always bring your watch to a jeweler to have it polished and re-plated. The cost to do this will be significantly more than using toothpaste or a toothbrush, but it is the best way to make sure that all of the scratches and stains are removed. If you have a gold plated watch that is two toned or has a mix of gold and stainless steel accents then be sure to tape off each area you are polishing so that you don’t accidentally strip the non-gold portion of the watch.
In order to prevent your watch from tarnishing again, you should apply a clear coating over the whole watch once it has been cleaned and polished. This will help to protect the gold from dirt, oil, and water which will keep it looking its best. You can purchase clear coats at most hardware stores. They will also come in a variety of colors so that you can choose the one that best suits your watch. This is a very inexpensive option to keep your watch in good condition for years to come. The only downside is that the clear coat may not last as long as the gold.
Use Metal Polish
While gold-plated watches are more resistant to scratches than those with solid gold, they’re still vulnerable to them. Using the wrong cleaning products can scratch your watch or strip away layers of precious metal. This can lead to a dull finish and expose the base metal underneath. This can ruin the appearance of your watch and decrease its value.
The best way to prevent this is to clean your watch regularly. To do this, use a cloth to polish the watch and remove any smudges or dust particles. This method will not damage your watch’s gold plating and will restore its shiny appearance. If your watch is heavily tarnished, you can use Windex to remove the tarnish from its surface. This solution works well for many cases when toothpaste or other cleaners fail.
Never use abrasive products on a gold-plated watch because they may scratch the precious metal layer beneath it. Also, avoid submerging a gold-plated watch in water. If you do, the seals may deteriorate and allow water to enter the movement and cause rust or other damage.
If you want to polish a gold-plated watch, you can do so by using a diamond-tipped tool or a dremel, but only if you know what you’re doing. You’ll need to remove the band and work with very little pressure, as you don’t want to ruin the delicate metal or base metal underneath.
To polish a stainless steel watch, you can use metal polish and a lint-free cloth or chamois leather. Apply the polish to a lint-free cloth and rub the entire surface of your watch. Make sure to rub in the direction of the grain, which will help reduce scratches. You can also use a toothpick to get into small spaces. After you’ve polished your watch, dry it with a lint-free cloth to ensure that mildew doesn’t form in the holes between the links.
Polishing a watch can be time-consuming, but the results are worth it. If you’re worried about damaging your watch, you can always ask a professional to do the job for you.