Metal plating can give your items a fresh look and make them stronger, which extends their lifespans. You have several options when choosing which type of metal plating to go with to create the look and performance you want. Here are some of the most common types.

Chrome

Chrome plating gives metal a bright silver-toned finish that stands out. It's also a good choice for industrial projects because it reduces the risk of rust and increases the item's resistance to friction. Chrome plating is usually applied through an electroplating process that uses a chromic acid called hexavelent chromium.

Brass

Brass plating is a good choice for steel light fixtures and other indoor decorative items. Items plated in brass don't have a strong resistance to corrosion, so it's best to choose another finish for outdoor furniture and other metals that will be exposed to the elements. Brass is a great alternative to gold. Great for lighting and furniture manufacture pieces.

Nickel

Nickel plating is popular for household items and gives them a sleek, modern look. Nickel is commonly used on aluminum, stainless steel, and copper items, though it can bond to other metals as well. The process for plating items with nickel is electroless, which makes it a simpler, more environmentally-friendly choice. Nickel is great for table and chair legs.

A high phosphorous nickel alloy can increase the strength and rust resistance of the items it's applied to. It is a great alternative to silver.

Gold

Gold plating gives items a classic, rich look and is often used on metal light fixtures, high end furniture, and other decorative and luxury items. Unlike gilding, gold plating involves applying the finish by submerging the item in a gold bath instead of applying gold-colored foil. This type of plating is very resistant to oxidation.

Gold plating also increases electrical conductivity, which makes it a good choice for electrical connectors and component cables.

Silver

Silver plating is another option if you're looking for a timeless, yet modern finish. Like gold, silver increases electrical conductivity and adds an appealing decorative touch, but it's less expensive than gold is. Silver does have a tendency to crack or peel when it's exposed to high humidity, so it's best used on items that will be in drier environments. Silver is great for light fixtures and hotel furniture.

Bronze

Bronze is a plating type best suited for indoor projects because it's not as resistant to rust as other plating types. Standard bronze finishes have a coppery color and are well-suited to steel items.

Oil-rubbed bronze is another type of bronze plating that has a darker, brushed appearance. If you're looking for a popular, darker finish for a brass or copper item, oil-rubbed bronze is a good choice. Great for table ends, sculptures and outdoor metal decorative pieces.

Copper

Copper plating is an expensive option that gives metal a bronze-colored hue, though it can also be blackened for an antique or vintage appearance.

While copper plating can stand on its own, it's also used as a pre-treatment for other metal plating types, such as nickel and chrome, because it makes it easier for subsequent coatings to stick to the metal. Copper is a great metal for hotel décor, huge metal frames, car parts and screws.

Tin

Tin plating gives metals a silver appearance that has more of a grayish undertone than most silver and nickel finishes. Items coated in tin can have a matte or bright finish. This plating type is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture, metal fencing, and food preparation and serving items due to its excellent rust resistance.

Tin is a very common metal, which lowers production costs.

Zinc

Like tin, zinc is available in abundance, which keeps costs lower than some other plating types. Zinc plating gives metal a bluish gray appearance and is common on small metal parts that might be exposed to moisture. Screws, bolts, and other small parts coated in zinc are less likely to rust than many other finishes.

General Brite Plating offers metal plating services in a variety of types and finishes for artists, architects, contractors, engineers, jewelers, interior designers, furniture manufactures and car part manufactures. Contact us today to discuss your next metal plating project.