High Phosphorus
Roughly 10 to 13 percent phosphorus. The most corrosion resistant option and essentially nonmagnetic, chosen for parts exposed to moisture, salt and chemicals.
Address demanding service conditions with electroless nickel for Gadsden components.
Electroless nickel may be considered for components made from several metal families, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass and bronze. Each substrate requires its own suitability and preparation review based on the exact alloy.
Certified, Approved and Verified
Clarify the required properties before choosing chemistry
Evaluate the deposit against the component's service demands.
A component with multiple alloys or inserts should be described as an assembly, not just by its outer material. Identify each substrate and any joined interfaces that will be exposed to the bath.
A target thickness may be constrained by threads, bores or mating features. State whether the drawing specifies a minimum deposit, a range or a finished dimension after coating.
For a part with dissimilar metals, identify each material and how the pieces are joined. The process team needs to understand which surfaces are exposed and whether the assembly can be processed as one unit.
Send us the drawing or a few photos, the material, and what the part does in service. If your print calls out a coating specification or a finished dimension, include it. We will recommend a phosphorus range and a thickness, tell you whether masking or heat treatment makes sense, and send back a written quote.
What We Do
Electroless Nickel Coating Options
Where wear is the controlling requirement, describe the type of contact and expected motion. Hardness, thickness and possible post-treatment should be evaluated as a complete specification.
Medium Phosphorus
Roughly 5 to 9 percent phosphorus. The general purpose workhorse, with a bright appearance and a balance of hardness, wear and corrosion protection that suits most industrial parts.
Low Phosphorus
Roughly 1 to 5 percent phosphorus. The hardest deposit as plated, selected for sliding surfaces, tooling and components where wear resistance matters more than chemical exposure.
Heat Treated
A bake after plating can raise hardness to a level that competes with hard chrome, or relieve hydrogen in high strength steel. The cycle is matched to the chemistry and the base metal.
PTFE Composite
Fine PTFE particles locked into the nickel matrix create a dry lubricating surface. Used on molds, fasteners, sliding mechanisms and anything that needs low friction or easy release.
Complex Geometry
Internal passages, blind holes, fine threads and deep pockets get the same coating as the outside of the part. Often the only practical choice when conventional plating cannot reach.
Choosing a Finish
Electroless Nickel Compared
We run all three of these processes in house, so we have no reason to push one over another. Here is how they differ and when each one is the right call.
Electroless Nickel
- Uniform thickness on any shape
- Coats inside bores and threads
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Holds tight finished dimensions
- Satin to bright functional look
Electrolytic Nickel
- Brighter decorative appearance
- Lower cost on simple shapes
- Ideal base layer under chrome
- Thicker on edges, thinner in recesses
- Best for visible, open surfaces
Hard Chrome
- Extreme hardness and wear life
- Low friction on rods and shafts
- Can be ground back to size
- Struggles in recesses and bores
- Best for straight, exposed surfaces
What We Can Finish
Base Metals for Electroless Nickel
The plating bath is the same for every part. The preparation is not. Each substrate has its own cleaning and activation sequence, and getting it right is what keeps the coating attached.
Carbon and Alloy Steel
The most common substrate we coat. After degreasing and acid activation, steel accepts every phosphorus range. High strength steels can receive a hydrogen relief bake after plating.
Stainless Steel
Its passive oxide film blocks adhesion, so it gets a nickel strike before the electroless bath. Often coated to stop galling on threads or to add surface hardness.
Aluminum
Aluminum oxidizes within seconds, so it receives a zincate treatment that protects the surface until the nickel takes over. The alloy matters, so tell us the grade if you know it.
Copper
Copper does not start the reaction on its own, so it is activated before plating. Electroless nickel then acts as a durable barrier against tarnish and diffusion.
Brass and Bronze
Valve bodies, fittings and marine components plate cleanly once activated. The nickel layer protects against dezincification and adds a harder working surface.
Specialty Alloys
Nickel alloys, tool steels and cast parts can be coated case by case. Send the exact alloy designation so we can confirm the activation sequence before you ship.
Electroless Nickel Catalog
Specifications and Services
Everything we offer around electroless nickel, from the chemistry itself to masking, stripping and post plate treatment.
Chemistries and Appearance
- Low Phosphorus
- Medium Phosphorus
- High Phosphorus
- PTFE Composite
- Bright Finish
- Satin Finish
Performance and Treatment
- Corrosion Protection
- Wear and Abrasion Resistance
- Post Plate Heat Treatment
- Hydrogen Embrittlement Relief
- Dimensional Restoration
- Controlled Coating Thickness
Substrates and Prep
- Steel and Alloy Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Aluminum (Zincate)
- Copper, Brass and Bronze
- Nickel Strike Activation
- Masking for Selective Plating
- Stripping and Replating
How It Works
From Raw Part to Coated and Inspected
An application review should identify the main performance concern, such as corrosion, wear or lubricity. That helps focus the discussion of chemistry and thickness.
1
Share the Details
Send photos or a drawing, the material, the quantity and any coating callout on your print.
2
Get a Recommendation
We suggest a phosphorus range and thickness and send a written quote within 24 business hours.
3
Ship or Drop Off
Once the project is scheduled, pack components to avoid impact and abrasion in transit. Include the approved quote reference and identify any separate containers by part number. Use padding that supports cast components without loading thin edges or fragile projections.
4
Clean, Activate and Plate
Parts are degreased, masked where needed, activated for their alloy and plated in a controlled bath.
5
Inspect and Return
Coverage and thickness are checked, any heat treatment is completed, and parts ship back insured.
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by Professionals
From custom builders to industrial manufacturers, our clients trust us to deliver the same result every time.
Who We Serve
Where Electroless Nickel Earns Its Keep
Maintenance replacements, new production hardware and custom-machined parts can share a coating process while requiring different specifications. Explain whether bronze components and cast metal parts are new, refurbished or part of a repeat order. Cast bronze parts may have a different surface condition from machined stock and should be reviewed accordingly.
Machined Components
CNC parts with tight tolerances, where the coating has to go on evenly so the part still fits after plating.
Industrial Equipment
Valves, pump housings, shafts and fixtures that need corrosion protection inside passages as well as outside.
Automotive and Motorsport
Brackets, fuel system fittings, brake parts and engine components protected from heat, fluids and road salt.
Marine
Fittings, pump parts and deck components where high phosphorus nickel stands up to constant salt exposure.
Molds and Tooling
Plastic injection molds, dies and fixtures that need a hard surface, clean release and protection from corrosion.
Hardware and Fasteners
Threaded parts, hinges and fittings coated all the way into the threads for smooth assembly and lasting protection.
Shop Results
Before and After
Drag the handle on any photo to compare the part as it arrived with the finished electroless nickel surface.
Before
Precision Steel Component
Arrived with surface rust and a failed zinc finish. Stripped, cleaned and activated, then coated with medium phosphorus nickel for an even, corrosion resistant surface that kept the part within its fit.
MEDIUM PHOSPHORUS
STEEL
PRECISION FIT
Before
Machined Aluminum Housings
Dull, oxidized housings with threaded ports. Each piece went through a zincate pretreatment and received high phosphorus nickel that reached every port and internal face.
HIGH PHOSPHORUS
ALUMINUM
ZINCATE
Before
Complex Industrial Part
Deep pockets and cross drilled passages that conventional plating could not reach evenly. Electroless nickel coated the inside and the outside at the same thickness.
ELECTROLESS NICKEL
COMPLEX GEOMETRY
INDUSTRIAL
Since 1989
Over three decades of plating, one shop in Oceanside.
Every part is stripped, prepped, plated and inspected in our own building, and our work comes with a 12 month workmanship guarantee. Send photos and we'll take it from there.
Our Commitment
Coatings You Can Build Around
Functional plating only counts if the part works when it goes back into the assembly. That is the standard we inspect to on every order.
Controlled Baths
Bath chemistry, temperature and nickel content are monitored throughout the run so the deposit stays consistent from the first part to the last.
Right Prep for Each Alloy
Steel, stainless and aluminum each follow their own cleaning and activation sequence, which is what keeps the coating bonded.
Thickness Checked
Coverage and coating thickness are checked against your requirement before parts are released for packing.
Protected in Transit
Finished parts are separated and packed so threads, sealing faces and machined surfaces arrive exactly as they left the tank.
How We Handle Your Order
- We recommend a chemistry and thickness based on how the part is used
- Masking is discussed up front for threads, bores and sealing faces
- Every batch is inspected before it leaves the plating line
- We call you when something about a part needs a decision
- Production runs are processed to the same settings every time
What You May Experience Elsewhere
- One generic chemistry used for every part that comes in
- No questions asked about tolerances or the finished fit
- Coating that builds up on threads and blocks assembly
- Results that change from one batch to the next
- Long silences once your parts are in production
35+
Years of Expertise
Take a Moment to Learn More
About Decorative Metal Coatings
Since 1989 we have plated parts for machine shops, manufacturers, restorers and builders. Decorative work and functional coatings run under the same roof, with the same inspection standard.
Free Estimates Available
Send a photo or drawing and receive a no obligation quote within 24 hours.
Quality Guaranteed
Every part leaves our shop backed by our craftsmanship guarantee. If you are not satisfied, we make it right.
Ship From Anywhere in the US
Single prototypes or full production runs, shipped to us from any state and returned insured.
Fast Turnaround Times
Most projects are completed within 3 to 5 weeks. Expedited Orders: 5 to 7 business days. Contact us for availability.
Protecting critical coated surfaces
Preserve the deposit through storage and assembly.
Protect the deposit from scratches and dents during assembly. Use suitable fixtures and avoid dragging coated faces across benches or other components. Support cast projections so the component's weight does not load a thin edge.
The correct maintenance method depends on the fluid, temperature and contact conditions. Confirm cleaning practices against the component specification and any equipment-maker guidance. Inspect cast surfaces for service-related damage as part of the normal equipment maintenance routine.
Thickness is the other key number. Electroless nickel builds evenly, so the coating adds the same amount to every surface, inside diameters included. On a precision fit, that growth has to be planned for. Let us know the finished dimension you need, and whether any threads, bores or sealing faces should be masked and left bare.
Finally, mention quantity and timing. A single prototype and a recurring production run are scheduled differently, and knowing what is coming next lets us hold the same settings from batch to batch.
Project Gallery
Electroless Nickel Gallery
Uniform electroless nickel on machined, threaded and complex parts, from valve bodies and molds to marine fittings and hardware.
Nationwide Service
Send Parts for Electroless Nickel From Any State
Decorative Metal Coatings processes electroless nickel orders at its Oceanside, California facility. Eligible projects from Gadsden, AL, and elsewhere in the United States may be shipped after the quote and receiving instructions are confirmed. Protect precision surfaces and identify each part number.
01
Quote before you ship
Send photos or drawings, the material and the quantity. You receive a written quote and lead time, usually the same business day. Always wait for a quote number before shipping.
02
Protect machined surfaces
Bag or wrap each part separately, cap threads and ports when you can, and keep parts from rubbing against each other. Use plenty of padding on every side of the box.
03
Insure it and share tracking
Declare the real value with the carrier and email us the tracking number so we can log your parts the day they arrive.
04
Inspected, then shipped back
Once plating and inspection are complete, we pack the parts in clean materials and ship them back insured, or hold them for pickup.
Visit Us
Our Location
Every electroless nickel order is cleaned, plated and inspected in our own facility in North County San Diego.
Decorative Metal Coatings
Electroless nickel, chrome and metal finishing in San Diego County since 1989.
- Address 2613 Temple Heights Dr, Ste G, Oceanside, CA 92056
- Phone (760) 746 3378
- Quotes Send photos and get a price
Business Hours
- Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Sunday Closed
Electroless nickel work at the Oceanside shop
DMC's plating operations are based in Oceanside, California. Contact the team for a quote and receiving instructions before arranging shipment from another location.
Nearby Cities We Serve
Other cities appearing in the supplied service-area list include:
Technical details to confirm before plating
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover coating chemistry, substrate review, dimensions and practical details that can help define a plating request.
Aluminum may be evaluated, but the exact alloy and surface condition matter because preparation is substrate-specific. Share the grade and any prior finish before suitability is confirmed.
Masking may be possible when certain surfaces must remain free of deposit. Mark those areas on the drawing and explain whether the reason is dimensional fit, electrical contact or joining.
Yes. State the required minimum or range and identify where thickness must be measured. Include the governing specification or test method if one applies.
Documentation requirements should be stated in the quote request. Identify any thickness readings, test reports, certificates or customer forms required for the order.
Yes. The deposit adds material to coated surfaces. Identify bores, threads, mating faces and all critical tolerances, and clarify whether dimensions apply before or after plating.
The shop is open Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. We're closed on Sunday. Shipments are received Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM Pacific.
Usually, yes. Send a photo of the piece you want to match, or ship it along with your parts as a sample. We adjust the finish until the new work sits right next to the old.
When the work is done and inspected, we pack your parts in fresh materials and ship them back insured. If you're close to Oceanside, you're welcome to pick them up instead.