I have been experimenting with the eletroform process and applying this element to my lampwork glass beads. I have found that I am able to add captivating gilding to my beads. I will try to give a brief explanation of how this process works.
The rectifier supplies both positive and negative charges. The positive charge goes to the anodes or copper plates, and the negative to the cathode or the bead that has been painted with electroconductive paint. The electroforming solution is an acid that causes the copper to sluff off of the plates. When the positive lead from the rectifier is attached to the wire containing the anodes the particles have a positive charge. The bead or chatode is hooked up to the negative lead and will attract the positively charged particles. The result is a compelling build up of copper on the glass bead.
You may not be fascinated by the science like I am but you have to admire the resulting art bead.
These beads are available through my Etsy store at http://www.etsy.com/shop/RiverStudio
