Plating Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about decorative plating, polishing and buffing at our large, modern facility in Brooklyn (Cleveland), Ohio. If you do not see your question here, call 216-651-9020 or request a quote. We respond to quote requests within 48 hours.
Quotes and how to start
How do I get a quote?
Send a drawing or photo, the finish, the base material, and the volume on our Request a Quote page, or email info@crownmetalplating.com. For a step-by-step list of what to include, see How to Request a Plating Quote.
How quickly do you respond?
We respond to quote requests within 48 hours.
Is there a minimum order?
Send the quantity you need, including smaller lots and production volumes. We will tell you whether the job is a fit when we quote.
Part size and capacity
What is the maximum part size for plating?
54″ x 7′ (54 inches by 7 feet). There is no maximum part weight.
Is there a size limit for buffing?
There is no practical size limit we have hit in regular work. We have buffed 54-foot trailer beams. Send dimensions with your quote request.
Do you run production volumes?
Yes. This is a large facility with automated lines and capacity of up to 60,000 parts a day. Actual throughput depends on the part and the setup; we do not quote a daily rate until we see the job.
Finishes and materials
What finishes do you offer?
Decorative chrome, black chrome, bright and semi-bright nickel, electroless nickel, copper, brass (lacquered) and bright tin, plus in-house polishing and buffing. Inspection, marking and program support are covered on Other Services.
What’s the layer order for decorative chrome?
Typically copper, then nickel, then chrome. On highly decorative parts the copper is usually buffed before the next layers go on. See decorative chrome plating.
Is decorative chrome the same as black chrome?
No. They are separate processes. See decorative chrome and black chrome.
What is electroless nickel, compared with regular nickel?
Electrolytic nickel uses electric current; electroless nickel deposits by a chemical reaction and is a separate offering. Tell us which your print calls out.
What base metals can you plate?
Ferrous and non-ferrous metals, including steel, and plating on aluminum. Suitability depends on the part and the finish. Send the material with your quote and we will confirm at setup.
Will brass-plated parts tarnish?
Brass-plated parts are lacquered to prevent patina. See brass plating.
Do you offer satin nickel?
True satin nickel chemistry is no longer available. We can attempt a satin-look finish through polishing. Send a sample of the look you need. Details are on the nickel plating page.
Restoration and other work
Can you rechrome or replate existing parts?
Yes. Rechroming typically means starting from the bottom and working up — often stripping the old plating, polishing and buffing, then plating again. See rechrome and restoration plating and send a photo or drawing.
Where is the shop?
3700 Ridge Road, Brooklyn, Ohio 44144, in the Cleveland area, with access from I-90, I-71 and I-77. More on our Cleveland-area plating shop page.
Crown Metal Plating · 3700 Ridge Road, Brooklyn, OH 44144 · 216-651-9020 · info@crownmetalplating.com
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