Hi Craig! This is true from my experience when using a standard 63/37 solder. I do know one way to make them look better, I'm not a metallurgist, and I can't explain why, but if you use a 2% silver solder the joints are noticably smoother and shinier...this was told to me a long, long time ago. Ever since then when I'm soldering to flash gold, I'll use a SN62/ PB36/ AG2 solder paste.. Maybe somebody like Werner can tell us why using a 2% silver solder makes the joints look smoother and shinier... -Steve Gregory- > Hello TechNetters, > > Looking for confirmation that solder joints over gold platings will tend to > be duller than solder joints over HASL platings. > > Thanks, > Craig >