Description of the
Chrome Plating Process

Boat railing bracket, as received from customer, for copper-nickel-chrome plating.
Boat railing bracket cleaned and prepared for copper
Boat railing bracket finished with acid copper plating, getting ready for mirror buffing.
Boat railing bracket copper plating mirror buffed before nickel plating.
Boat railing bracket finished with a beautiful copper-nickel-chrome plating.

(Above) Shows the basic steps a part must go through to achieve a beautiful chrome finish.

Chrome Plating and the Copper-Nickel-Chrome Process


Chrome plating is a multi-step process to achieve the highest quality chrome finishes.

There’s a reason why our name begins with “Reliable Plating”. Like any high-quality plating company, we offer “chrome plating”. Our copper/nickel/chrome, sometimes called “triple chrome” process, creates the highest quality and brightest chrome finishes available.

There are many steps to creating a flawless, show-quality finish in chrome. It begins with a thorough cleaning and surface preparation. This often includes stripping of the original plating, removal of surface rust, paint or oils and contaminants. Next, we use cyanide copper, followed by acid copper to build up the surface that fills in imperfections and can be buffed to a mirror finish. This step may be repeated many times to get the surface perfect.

Next, a bright nickel is applied. The last step is the chrome plating. The chrome layer not only adds luster and shine, but also adds a very durable coating for years of lasting beauty.

What makes “Reliable Plating and Polishing” different is our attention to detail in every job. We inspect and rack plate EVERY plating job by hand, ensuring top-quality, perfect items every time. Our pre-inspection and hand-racking process ensures the highest quality regardless of volume. We can handle your high-quantity jobs, custom jobs or even single pieces. Call today!


Chrome plating offers several significant benefits:


  • Enhanced Durability: Chrome plating adds a robust layer to metal products, significantly increasing their lifespan by making them more resistant to wear and tear.
  • Improved Corrosion Resistance: It provides excellent protection against corrosion, making it ideal for parts exposed to harsh environments.
  • Increased Surface Hardness: The process increases the hardness of the surface, which helps in reducing friction and wear.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Chrome plating gives a sleek, shiny finish that enhances the appearance of the plated object.
  • Ease of Cleaning: Chrome-plated surfaces are easier to clean and maintain, which is beneficial for both industrial and decorative applications.

These benefits make chrome plating a popular choice for automotive, industrial, and decorative applications.