FAQ

  • Is this real plating?

    Yes, this is real plating. This isn't vacuum metalizing, or spray on chrome, this is a chemical and electrical adhesion process. We add acid copper, bright nickel, chrome, 24K gold, and brass.

  • How long does it last?

    The process is no different than metal plating and will last up to 10+ years if properly maintained. All parts which have copper plating have a 5 year warranty and all other parts have 1 year warranty.

  • What materials can be plated?

    Almost all materials can be plated, this includes plastic, epoxy, ABS, pot-metal, steel, metal, etc! We are limited by size. Once parts start getting smaller than 3 inches we run into issues with racking. However, it all depends on the part.

  • What finishes do you offer?

    We offer mirror finish Chrome, Nickel, Copper, Brass, and 24K Gold​. We also offer these finishes in matte, and brushed.

  • How do you plate on plastic?

    We treat our non-conductive parts through a chemical process before continuing with standard plating. This chemical process makes non-conductive surfaces - conductive. After this, we plate parts as if they are metal - applying copper, nickel and the final finish (chrome, 24K gold, brass).

  • How do you ship?

    We usually ship UPS and your Shipping and Handling cost includes shipping and packaging with plenty of cushion and protection. Insurance is available upon request to cover your parts and chrome if damage occurs during shipping. We are not responsible for shipping damages.

  • Is plating better than replacing my parts?

    Plating is often times more expensive than replacing your current parts. We often recommend looking to buy your parts already chromed if possible. Plating is usually more cost effective for rare or parts you cannot replace.

  • Do i need to pay up front?

    Yes, we do require payment up front for all orders. Invoices are sent via email or text and can be paid with credit card or bank transfer.

  • How long does it take?

    Our current estimate is 3-6 weeks turn around time based on the job but this can change based on many variables. All turn around times are estimates.

General Disclaimer:

As the shape of any part becomes more complex (more ridges, twists, corners, crevices, etc) the more difficult it is in all steps of the plating process. This increases chances of blistering, flaking during the plating process thus slowing down the overall completion time. Any and all large imperfections, stains, blistering and flaking means we have to start the plating process from scratch. All parts will be inspected to ensure accurate descriptions of material type and quality. Plating is extremely unpredictable -- as such, all timelines, time estimates and turn around times are only estimates and are not true, set-in-stone timelines. Extra repairs not previously discussed can cause delays; the plating process does fix anything, that is extra work that we need to be notified of. Always ship parts disassembled as much as they can be or else this can delay our own process as we have to disassemble them ourselves. All estimates for jobs given before we are in possession of your parts are not confirmed until we receive said parts and ensure that they are the accurate size, shape, material and quality -- all of which can change our entire planned process. Customers are responsible for shipping costs to and from our location.   Our plating process is never the same for any jobs. There is almost always small, in-between steps that are added to meet the needs of the customer and the job. These steps are added with our unique knowledge of metals, plastics and the plating process. As a custom plating shop we offer services that no other plating shop offers. We meet the needs of customers when no one else can. Our services are one of a kind and cannot be replicated. This includes but is not limited to our unique racking system, a 3 stage polishing system that results in a mirror-like finish, and plating on plastics. The latter of which contains a proprietary system.

Plastic Disclaimer:

Some plastics are easier to plate than others which creates unpredictability in timelines. One type of plastic (EX:ABS) may take our conductive process after 1 attempt. Other plastics (EX: “softer/flexible” plastics) may take multiple attempts of the conductive process. Another example is glass — which can be plated but takes much more attempts of the conductive process. On average a plastic piece will take 2-3 walkthroughs of the conductive process. A walkthrough means it was ran through different chemicals. Each walkthrough will cover more and more of the part with the conductive solution until it is finally covered and can be moved to the acid copper stage of the process. Some plastics are sensitive to our stripping chemicals. All plastic are watched while being stripped of any previous surface finish but there is always a chance of a quick reaction and damage to the part. Once in the acid copper stage, we move to the polishing stage. While polishing, plastics are much more susceptible to blistering and removing the copper layer than metal. If we over-polish on a metal piece we simply clean it up, rack it and put it in for more copper. If we over-polish or blister a plastic piece, we have to restart from the beginning. This essentially resets the timeline for that part.