Once in a while we make custom wooden world maps and occasionally we make some tailor made metal maps too. However, until so far we never really did special things with our StoneCut maps, apart from some different sizes and cutout from specific countries and islands. But this week we have crafted something really special; a gold plated world map!
Over the past decade, we've received numerous requests and ideas for various world maps. However, one concept was consistently mentioned every year—the golden world map. When we stumbled upon a slate stone in our inventory with a relatively uniform colour, we recognised it as a prime candidate for a special project: the golden world map.
As with our other StoneCut maps, our process begins with pressing the slate stone onto an MDF wooden plate. This is done by applying glue to the back of the stone and the front of the MDF, allowing it to set for several minutes before gently positioning the stone onto the MDF and sliding the assembly into a heated press. Under high pressure, the press securely bonds the two layers together. After a day for the glue to fully set, the stone plate is ready to be shaped/cut into continents and islands.
Instead of proceeding directly to engraving after cutting, we remove all pieces and direct them to the spray booth. Here, a golden finish is applied to each and every piece. By laser-cutting before spraying, we ensure that also the sides can be painted. We opt for a glossy finish to enhance the shine, given the slightly porous nature of the stone surface. A matte finish wouldn't provide the desired level of this brilliance. With several coats of gold paint carefully brushed on the surface, the final result is truly breathtaking.
As displayed in the photo showing the golden continent of Africa, the piece remarkably resembles solid gold. This effect is achieved due to the surface characteristics of the slate stone, which features variations in thickness and natural bumps and imperfections, just like rocky terrain. These inherent irregularities lend the golden finish the appearance of solidity, the same as a golden brick. While exuding an air of luxury, this golden world map is neither as weighty nor as costly as real gold. In fact, it shares the same weight specifications as all our StoneCut maps, weighing just over 12 kilograms (approximately 27 pounds).
Once the paint has completely dried, we proceed to one of the final stages of the process: engraving the country borders using our CO2 laser. However, before this part of the process starts, molds must be crafted for each continent and island that requires engraved borders. These molds ensure precise alignment of the gold-plated sections, allowing the CO2 laser to accurately engrave borders in the exact locations as those are normally engraved. The attached clip provides a glimpse of our laser in action, engraving the golden continent of Africa.
In a few days, we'll be offering this golden item in our world map webshop, so be sure to stay tuned!
