Nickel plating can change the appearance of suitable existing metal parts without changing their original design. For projects from La Palma, we review the component, base material, current surface and desired finish before outlining the appropriate next steps.
The substrate determines which preparation steps are suitable
Nickel electroplating adds a metallic surface to a properly prepared conductive component. Finish selection and the condition of the original part both influence the result.
Available appearances include bright, satin, brushed, black and polished vintage nickel. Nickel may also serve as a base for decorative chrome. Electroless nickel uses chemical deposition rather than electric current.
The condition of the surface and the material beneath it guide preparation. Work may include stripping, polishing, cleaning and activation before nickel is deposited, followed by inspection of the completed part.
If you are unsure whether your part needs nickel, chrome or electroless nickel, send a few photos and tell us how it will be used. We will explain the difference, recommend a finish and quote it in writing.
Slide the handle across each photo to compare the part as it came in with the finished nickel.
Before
Ornate cast panels with worn, flaking nickel and green corrosion in the recesses. Stripped, hand polished to keep every scroll sharp and replated in polished nickel to match the original look.
Before
Handle collars and cabinet trim dulled by years of hands on the gaming floor. Polished out and plated in bright nickel so every piece in the bank of machines matches again.
Before
Forty pulls in three different worn finishes. Stripped, brushed with the same grain direction and plated in satin nickel so the whole kitchen reads as one matched set.
Big order or a single knob, same care.
Homeowners send us one faucet. Companies in and out of state send production runs of hundreds or thousands of parts. Both get a written quote and the same inspection before anything ships back.
For La Palma projects, finish selection can start with the intended tone and sheen, then be checked against the base metal, geometry and condition of each component.
A brilliant, mirror reflective nickel that comes out of the tank already shining. The go to finish for fixtures, trim and display pieces that need sparkle without the cool tint of chrome.
Nickel over a brushed or lightly blasted surface for a quiet, even sheen. Popular on cabinet pulls, plumbing trim and door levers because it hides smudges and everyday scuffs.
A dark, smoky gray nickel with a soft metallic depth. Used for modern hardware, lighting and accent pieces, usually over a bright nickel base and protected with a clear topcoat.
Hand buffed nickel with no chrome on top, the way parts were finished in the early 1900s. The right choice when a restoration should look original rather than modern.
A thick, leveling layer of bright nickel under decorative chrome. It provides most of the corrosion protection and the deep shine people credit to the chrome itself.
A thin, highly active nickel layer that breaks through the oxide on stainless steel and similar alloys, so the plating that follows bonds tightly and does not lift.
Three finishes that are often confused. They share a base metal but differ in how they are applied, how they look and where they perform best.
To begin a review, provide clear photos, dimensions when relevant, quantity, known base material and a description or sample of the desired finish. A written estimate is prepared before parts are sent.
Send photos, the quantity and the nickel finish you have in mind, or ask us to suggest one.
We identify the base metal, note any repairs and reply with pricing within 24 business hours.
Once the written quote is approved, the project can be scheduled for processing at the Oceanside facility. Follow the packing guidance provided and include the quote reference with the shipment.
Old plating is stripped, dents and pits are worked out and the surface is polished or brushed.
Parts are nickel plated, checked for color and coverage, packed carefully and sent back.
Decorative nickel finishes may be relevant to residential interiors, hospitality spaces, restaurants, restoration work, marine settings and manufacturers of metal components. These are general application areas, not claims of local completed projects.
Slot handles, cabinet trim, chip rails and bar fixtures replated in bright or satin nickel to stay crisp under constant use. Casino resorts across North County San Diego trust us to keep their gaming floors looking new.
Door levers, room numbers, bar foot rails and service hardware matched across an entire property.
Faucet trim, shower fittings, towel bars and accessories refinished to match new polished or satin nickel fixtures.
Cash registers, soda fountain parts, scales, stove trim and clocks returned to their original nickel finish.
Brass cleats, hinges and interior fittings nickel plated to resist the salt air along the Southern California coast.
Production parts that need a clean, corrosion resistant nickel finish delivered on schedule, batch after batch.
Nickel can go on almost any metal, but the cleaning, activation and first layer change with every base material.
Nickel protects steel from rust far better than paint. Rusted parts are stripped and polished first, and pitted areas are filled with copper before nickel goes on.
The classic base for nickel. Most antique hardware and plumbing trim is brass underneath, and it plates cleanly once old finishes and tarnish are removed.
Common in slot machine trim, faucets and newer hardware. It gets a copper strike before nickel, and careful prep keeps the finish from blistering later.
Treated with a zincate dip so nickel can bond, then plated like any other metal. Used for lighter trim, housings and decorative castings.
Receives a nickel strike to break through its natural oxide film. After that, any of our decorative nickel finishes can be applied.
Solid copper takes nickel very well. Unusual alloys are reviewed one at a time, so send the alloy name or a photo before shipping.
Nickel has been part of our daily work since 1989. Collectors, interior designers, casino maintenance teams and manufacturers rely on us because we prepare every surface properly before it ever touches the nickel bath.
Send a photo of your part and receive a no obligation quote within 24 hours.
Every part leaves our shop backed by our craftsmanship guarantee. If you are not satisfied, we make it right.
One antique latch or a pallet of hardware, shipped to us from any state and returned insured.
Most projects are completed within 3 to 5 weeks. Expedited Orders: 5 to 7 business days. Contact us for availability.
A complete list of the nickel finishes and supporting services we handle in our own shop.
Restorers, homeowners and companies keep coming back because the finish is right the first time.
A nickel finish is only as good as the work done before plating. These are the standards every order is held to.
Old nickel, chrome and lacquer are fully stripped so the new nickel bonds to clean metal instead of a failing layer.
Nickel magnifies whatever is under it. Every surface is polished or brushed to its final texture before plating.
Hardware sets are plated and inspected together so tone and sheen stay consistent from the first piece to the last.
Finished parts are individually wrapped and boxed so the nickel arrives free of scratches and fingerprints.
Use gentle cleaning and avoid abrasive products
For routine care, wipe with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, rinse as appropriate and dry gently. Avoid abrasive pads, aggressive cleaners and chemicals that may scratch or change the surface.
Appearance can vary with finish type, lighting and the underlying component. If matching existing hardware, provide a physical sample or clear reference photos taken in neutral daylight.
Day to day care is simple. Wipe nickel with a soft cloth and warm water with a drop of mild dish soap, rinse and dry it so water spots do not form. A gentle non abrasive metal polish can bring back the glow on uncoated nickel once in a while.
Avoid bleach, ammonia, scouring pads and harsh bathroom cleaners. They can dull or stain the surface, and on coated parts they break down the clear layer. If a finish has worn through to the brass or steel underneath, we can strip and replate it.
Nickel Plating Gallery
Bright, satin, black and vintage nickel on cabinet pulls, slot machine trim, antique registers and marine fittings.
Decorative Metal Coatings performs nickel preparation, plating and inspection at its facility in Oceanside, California. After the project scope and written quote are confirmed, eligible parts may be shipped to the facility from anywhere in the United States.
Email photos of each part and the nickel finish you want. We reply with a written quote and lead time, often the same business day. Please wait for a quote number before you ship.
Wrap every piece on its own in bubble wrap or foam so nothing rubs, and leave three inches of padding around the contents. Keep small screws and escutcheons together in a labeled bag.
Declare the full value with your carrier and email us the tracking number so your parts are checked in the same day they arrive.
Once the nickel is finished we send photos for your approval, then pack everything in new materials and ship it back fully insured.
All nickel work is stripped, polished, plated and inspected at our own shop in Oceanside, in North County San Diego.
Nickel, chrome, copper and metal finishing in San Diego County since 1989.
Projects from La Palma are evaluated before shipment to determine material suitability, preparation needs and finish expectations. The work itself is completed at the Oceanside, California facility, with packing instructions provided after the quote is confirmed.
Review related Nickel Plating information for other California locations. All accepted work is evaluated and processed at the Oceanside facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical information about finish options, preparation and project planning for La Palma, CA components.
No. Electroplated nickel is deposited using electric current, while electroless nickel is deposited through a chemical process. They are distinct finishing methods.
No. Compatibility is not universal. Steel, brass, bronze and copper may be evaluated; aluminum, zinc die cast, stainless steel and specialty alloys require review of the exact material and condition.
It may. Existing coatings, surface wear and the required appearance determine whether stripping, polishing, cleaning or activation is appropriate.
Quotes are generally returned within 24 to 48 business hours. Standard production is typically 3 to 5 weeks after approval and receipt of parts. Rush production may be 5 to 7 business days, subject to review and availability.
Options include bright, satin, brushed, black and polished vintage nickel. The suitable choice depends on the component, base metal and target appearance.
Send us a few photos of the part from different angles, along with what it is and the finish you want. We look them over and send a written quote, usually within 24 business hours. It's free, and you're under no obligation to go ahead.
Standard orders take 3 to 5 weeks from the day your parts arrive. If you're on a deadline, ask about expedited service. When the schedule allows, we can finish in 5 to 7 business days.
Yes. Our workmanship is covered for 12 months. If something isn't right with the finish we put on, call us and we'll make it right.
