The shiny surface of metal items, like tools and faucets, doesn’t just make products look clean and give them an attractive gleam; it also protects them from wearing out quickly—ensuring they have a longer life span—and lessens the amount of friction they experience when coming into contact with other parts repeatedly. You have two choices in terms of the processes you can choose to apply plating to metal—electroless nickel or chrome plating. Here is a simple guide to help you select the right one for you.

Electroless Nickel

Without requiring an electric current, a professional will coat an item in a nickel-phosphorus alloy. Depending on your needs, the substance used can contain varying levels of phosphorus, the element that determines how hard and protective the coating is. It’s frequently used to coat the metal parts of vehicles, and it’s also found on electronic equipment, like circuit boards. While it’s not as strong as chrome plating, it will last longer.

Chrome

When chromium is applied to a metal object, it is known as chrome plating. The type used in industrial applications is generally different from the kind used to coat objects where aesthetics are more important, like residential faucets. It’s designed to be more functional than beautiful. Although chrome won’t last as long as electroless nickel, it’s stronger and protects objects from wear and tear better. It’s often used on gears in vehicles because other materials can’t stick to it, and manufacturers also utilize it when they are restoring components or correcting issues.

For almost 50 years, LWG Finishing has offered superior-quality chrome plating services to residents in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. They specialize in working with hydraulic shafts, and their team of expert technicians will be happy to help customers decide between the various plating options, so the result meets their needs. For more information on chrome plating, call (513) 860-1156 or visit their website today.