How to turn Gold Leaf Flakes (like those you buy from eBay) into liquid (melt them), & then harden them?

Question

I would like to know what is needed by the average home 'user', in terms of equipment, to turn 24 ct. Gold Leaf Flakes (the kind you buy in vials from eBay and souvenir shops) into liquid and then the procedure to harden the liquid 'solution'. Maybe you first heat the flakes in an oven and then cool them down quickly?

Thanks for any help,

Kramsor.

Answer 1

If you're trying to turn those gold flakes into gold with the hopes of making some profit on the venture, you haven't done the math. When you buy those souvenir vials (including S&H), you're paying an enormous price for the actual amount of gold you get. You'd be so much better off just buying a 1-oz gold bar or something of that nature.

Answer 2

Nope!   The procedure is much more complicated than that.

Not only do you need equipment that will START melting the gold when the temperature reaches 1065 degrees Celsius - (your oven could never reach that temp.) you need a crucible, flux and more, plus a myriad of "how to" to make it all come together.

Rather than mucking with all of that business, why not try your hand with polymer clay?  The flakes can be incorporated into the clay, (which is VERY versatile), can be baked in the oven to cure and sealed with liquid polymer to prevent chipping.

I've seen some beautiful jewelry made from polymer clay, with and without gold leaf, being sold for a hefty price!

Just my thoughts :)