In Star Wars, how did C-3PO turn to gold?

Question

I just watched the whole Star Wars saga (Episode 4, 5, 6 then 1, 2, 3). But I still don't understand how C-3PO turned to gold. In his first appearance in episode 1 he is without covers (naked). He eventually gets covers in Episode 2 but they are metallic in colour (grey/sliver). In Episode 3, he somehow turns into gold. Any answers?

Answer 1

Good movies.  Could do without Episodes One and Two - but then I guess we wouldn't know how C-3PO turns gold, eh?  Episode three is on TV now.

Answer 2

He received his gold plating in the Clone Wars micro-series set in between ep II & ep III that ran on the Cartoon Network in 2003 & 2004.  It was a gift from Padme to Anakin.  Anakin then gave him back to her as a gift and she gave him R2 in return.  It's in chapter 21 or 22 of the micro-series.

May The Force Be With You ...

Answer 3

He was probably re-plated sometime between Ep. 2 and 3.  

Answer 4

He ate 14 carrots ;-)

Answer 5

His steel plating was replaced with brass, you cant have a rusty droid running around the high class part of courasant

Answer 6

ummm MAGIC

Answer 7

Upgrade? He has a habit of destroying himself after all

Answer 8

He got his gold finish in Episode ll you just need to pay attention.

Answer 9

i think i remember in Episode II Anakin and Padme visited the Lars Homestead and ended up leaving in a hurry with R2 and C3PO to save ObiWan.

C3PO at this point was still pretty much a pet robot never having left tatooine.  he entered the service of Padme after this point (and eventually the Organas)  I believe it is mentioned in the expanded universe that he receives his appropriate fully outer shell while in service to Padme.

I do not have a specific reference.

Answer 10

Remember, eventually C3PO became a translator for the Aldaraan royal family. That means he'd be working for some super-high-class diplomats. Gold plating was probably there to make him look more the part, like a fancy butler uniform. Using plane, ugly, rusting armor plating for a droid serving in that high of a capacity would be demeaning to the clients/ambassadors/etc.