Plating and Polishing Services for the Marine – Boating – Fishing Industries

In the harsh marine environment, metal plating and finishes must provide exceptional corrosion resistance and durability. Every aspect of the marine industry relies on metal components to function properly and survive in some of the most hostile environments on the planet. In many cases, safety depends on it!

On older boats, many components are solid bronze, copper or brass, being both decorative and functional. These can all be polished to their original beauty. Docks and marinas face harsh conditions year-in and year-out. Cleats, pulleys, bolts, crane components and other safety equipment can be protected and routinely refurbished.

When it comes to protecting metal parts in harsh marine saltwater environments, anodized “hardcoat” is a popular metal finishing technique with boat builders and restorers. Type III anodizing, also known as hardcoat anodizing, produces a thicker and more durable coating compared to Type II (decorative) anodizing. Anodize hardcoat enhances the metal’s surface hardness, wear resistance, and electrical insulation properties.

Remember that anodize hardcoat is particularly effective for aluminum and its alloys, but other metals may require different finishing techniques.

When it comes to protecting stainless steel parts in harsh marine saltwater environments, passivation is a crucial metal finishing technique that we do for our customers.

Benefits of Passivation:

Corrosion Resistance: The oxide layer acts as a barrier, preventing direct contact between the metal and corrosive elements like saltwater.

Improved Surface Finish: Passivation smooths the surface, reducing the risk of localized corrosion.

Limitations: While passivation significantly improves corrosion resistance, stainless steel can still corrode over time if continuously exposed to saltwater or other corrosive conditions. Reliable Plating is often called upon and can refinish severely weathered parts.

Components on boats and docks that require protective plating and coatings include hull fittings, propellers, railings, anchors, and dock hardware such as cleats and bolts and block-and-tackle housings. These finishes ensure the longevity and reliability of the components, preventing degradation from constant exposure to seawater and harsh weather conditions.

Plating for Steel items:

Steel items can be zinc plated, adding superior rust protection and an excellent primer base for painting. Cadmium plating (yellow cad) provides exceptional protection against salt spray and harsh environments. We also offer different oxidation processes, like black oxide with oil or wax coating, which is very effective at protecting bolts and other hardware.

You have many options. For more information on protecting your nautical parts, call us today!