A procedure for the formulation and characterization of a gilding electrolyte based on mercaptotriazole is described. It was found that the electrolyte can be synthesized in a wide pH range, so solutions with different pH values (2, 4, 7, 9 and 12) have been prepared and analyzed. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy were used for the chemical characterization of the prepared solutions. Electrochemical characterization is performed by open circuit potential measurement, cyclic voltammetry and polarization measurements. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.