Bright gold preparations, commonly referred to as bright golds, are metallo-organic materials based on precious metals that are dissolved in resin and oil systems. Various metalloid solutions work as adhesion promoters in these preparations as well and ensure that the materials show a good mechanical and chemical adhesion after firing.
During firing, all organic components (resins and oils) burn off. What is left on the decorated item is a bright, shiny, metal alloy layer of mirror-like appearance, also referred to as the “fired layer”. With only a fraction of a micrometer, the fired layer is as thin as a human hair - if not thinner. Still, Heraeus bright gold decorations withstand dishwashing, mechanical abrasion as well as the chemical impact of detergents day after day.