Custom Plating Process

807 North Meridian Street
P.O. Box 16
Portland, IN 47371

(260) 726-9696

11 Step Chrome Plating Process

1. RECEIVING INSPECTION The first step in plating is to determine what a customer wants to have done, and whether or not it is possible to do it at a reasonable price. The most important thing to understand, is that metal can deteriorate and corrode to a point that restoration may be cost prohibitive.
2. STRIPPING Parts must be stripped and or sandblasted down to the bare metal. All paint, dirt, oil, grease, rust, old plating, and other materials are removed.
3. REPAIR & RESTORATION Lead & brass may be used to fill holes & cracks while damaged parts may be straightened or have dents removed.
4. POLISHING Polishing is the abrasive removal of surface metal, using a series of abrasive belts or wheels. The first step that of coarse cutting and/or grinding, working the metal progressively smoother with finer grits. The end result is highly polished metal with most pitting, scratches, and other impurities removed.
5. WIRING & RACKING Hooks, racks, and other methods are used to hold the part, as well as providing electrical contact.
6. CLEANING & PLATING PREPARATION Parts must be flawlessly cleaned before plating. The slightest speck of dirt or grease will cause a reject. A series of soap, acid, and water solutions are used to guarantee a spotless surface.
7. COPPER PLATING & BUFFING Parts are copper plated and buffed to a brilliant shine. This provides added protection while helping to fill lines and pits,also providing an excellent base for nickel plating.
8. WIRING, RACKING & RECLEANING All processes of steps 4 and 5 are now repeated.
9. NICKEL PLATING Nickel provides the deep luster and protection needed for long lasting chrome. Parts are submerged in the nickel- plating solution for about 45 minutes.
10. CHROME PLATING Chrome is a protective coating over the nickel, which prevents the nickel from tarnishing.
11. FINAL INSPECTION Parts are cleaned and inspected.