Electroforming

[cakey]

What is Electroforming?

[cheng076]

Electroforming is a method to 'plate' metals, usually copper, onto other strata such as your beads. In copper forming the object to be coppered, a bead, is coated with an electrical conductive paint. When dry the piece is suspended in a solution of copper sulfate, the electrolyte, and connected to one side of the circuit. A sacrificial copper metal piece is suspended in the solution and connected to the opposite side of the circuit. When current is forced through the setup copper ions move from the sacrificial plate, through the electrolyte, to the conductive paint and bond. As they build up they reform into a pure copper covering.
This is vastly simplified explanation of a process that is both complicated technically and simple practically. There is a lot of info here and on other forums on doing it. Also check out Pigeon Point Glass for info and supplies.
PJH

[Poet?]

Go to the source! Kate Fowle Meleny! Here is a link to her tips section - she is the queen of Electroforming.

http://www.katefowle.com/pages/tips.php

[ben david]

You got a good technical summary.
Just want to point out that:
- electroforming can yield 2D or 3D effects depending on the thickness of the metallic layer you build up - which in turn depends on time and other factors.
- this is not just a surface decorative effect. It can also be used to create forms in their own right - for example, enamelists and jewelers electroform over a shaped core or into a hollow mold to form a shape that they then enamel or finish in various ways.
- you can use metals other than copper, although it is the most common.
- in addition to dipping, you can use an electrified paintbrush or stylus to selectively plate portions of a piece. This is not as scary as it sounds, the voltages are low and the handle of the brush is insulated.

[neagle]

Originally Posted by Poet?

Go to the source! Kate Fowle Meleny! Here is a link to her tips section - she is the queen of Electroforming.

http://www.katefowle.com/pages/tips.php

Ditto. Kate's beads are awesome.

[cakey]

Thanks everyone, but that looks a little to involved for me!

[KJJames]

Cyndi,

I thought the same thing. I was so intimidated by the process. Then in October I took a class with Kate (amazing!) and she briefly went over the steps. (The class was focused on enamels, fuming, etc.) I went home, ordered the supplies and have been enjoying electroforming since. It really is a lot of fun!