# Electroforming: hollow forms by electrolysis

> Electroforming deposits metal with electricity onto a conductive model to make hollow, lightweight, large forms, such as voluminous pendants and earrings.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/electroforming/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-06-09
- Updated: 2026-06-09
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/electroformado/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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In electroforming, a layer of metal (usually copper) is grown over a model in an electrolytic bath. The model is then removed, leaving a hollow, lightweight piece.

![Steps of the technique: Prepare the model, Make it conductive, Immerse, Deposit, Dissolve the core, Finish](https://www.711grados.com/media/diagrams/electroformado-steps.en.svg "Summary of the steps")

## How it is done

1. A model (wax, resin, leaves, objects) is prepared and coated with conductive lacquer.
2. It is immersed in a bath with copper ions and connected to the current.
3. The metal deposits and grows.
4. The model is removed (melting the wax) and the piece is finished.

## Advantages

It allows large, light pieces that would be very heavy in solid metal, and copying details such as leaves or flowers.

## Finish

It can be gilded, silvered or patinated at the end.

## Safety

It involves acids and electric current: use gloves, glasses and ventilation.

## Step by step

1. **Prepare the model.** Make the form in wax, resin or another material.
2. **Make it conductive.** Paint with conductive lacquer.
3. **Immerse.** Connect to the copper or silver bath.
4. **Deposit.** Let the metal grow for hours or days.
5. **Dissolve the core.** Melt the wax or dissolve the model.
6. **Finish.** Polish and, if wanted, gild.

## Tools and materials

- Tank and rectifier
- Copper, silver or gold bath
- Conductive lacquer
- Gloves, glasses and ventilation

## Common mistakes

- Incomplete conductive layer: areas with no metal.
- Current too high: rough deposit.
- Dirty bath.
- Taking the piece out too early.

## See also

- [Electroplating: gold, silver and rhodium baths](https://www.711grados.com/en/electroplating-baths/)
- [Copper](https://www.711grados.com/en/copper/)
- [Wax carving and modeling](https://www.711grados.com/en/wax-carving-and-modeling/)