Gold-plated watches exude an elegant and luxurious charm, making them highly appealing to watch enthusiasts. However, with time, these watches can tarnish, scratch, and lose their luster. Therefore, polishing a gold-plated watch is essential. Let’s explore the simple steps to polish a gold-plated watch with DWatch Global.
1. Why Do Gold-Plated Watches Tarnish?
The primary reason gold-plated watches tarnish is due to sweat, which contains a lot of salt that can cause rust over time. Additionally, scratches from regular use can further contribute to the tarnishing of the watch. Over time, you might notice your gold-plated watch losing its shine.
Gold-plated rose watches, being a newer plating technology, can develop discoloration over time. Even unused watches can become discolored. This issue persists and has yet to be completely resolved.
2. Tips for Using Gold-Plated Watches
- Avoid Water Exposure: While some gold-plated watches are water-resistant, frequent exposure to water can damage the gold plating. Avoid wearing gold-plated watches while bathing, swimming, or engaging in water-related activities.
- Avoid Contact with Cosmetics: Chemicals in perfumes, cleaning agents, and creams can dull or damage the gold plating. Wear your watch after 10-15 minutes of applying cosmetics.
- Protective Coating: Have a jeweler apply a clear protective coating to your watch. This thin layer acts like a nail polish, protecting the watch from moisture and sweat.
- Use a Damp Cotton Ball for Cleaning: Regular cleaning with a damp cotton ball can help maintain the watch’s shine. Avoid using harsh cleaners or stiff brushes to prevent damaging the gold plating.
3. How to Clean a Gold-Plated Watch at Home
- Use Toothpaste: Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the dirty surface of the watch. Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth until clean, then wipe off the toothpaste.
- Use a Cotton Swab: For hard-to-reach areas, use a damp cotton swab to clean small crevices and surface dirt.
- Jewelry Cleaning Solution: Soak the watch in a jewelry cleaning solution for 30 seconds, then gently brush the surface and rinse with warm water before drying.
- Ammonia Solution: For stubborn dirt, mix ammonia with water (1:6 ratio) and soak the dirty area for 60 seconds. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.
- Dry and Sunlight: Use a specialized jewelry cleaning cloth to rub off dirt. You can also dry the watch with a hairdryer on a moderate heat setting or under sunlight for added shine.
4. How to Polish a Gold-Plated Watch
The above cleaning methods can also act as temporary polishing techniques for your gold-plated watch at home. However, for a professional finish and to avoid unnecessary scratches, it’s best to take your watch to a service center. Professional technicians use specialized polishing machines to remove scratches and restore the watch’s shine.
Regular cleaning and maintenance will keep your gold-plated watch looking new, bright, and clean. If your watch becomes too old or you cannot clean it properly, take it to a professional “watch doctor” for thorough maintenance and refurbishment. This will ensure your timepiece is checked and restored to its best condition.
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