Nickel, chrome, copper, gold and smoked plating: the differences
One of the most common questions in choosing a finish is which plating gives which look. Nickel, chrome, copper, gold, light smoked and dark smoked finishes each give a different result in colour, gloss and how the product is perceived.
Nickel plating
Nickel suits parts that need a bright, clean metal look. It gives the surface a high-quality, even and professional appearance and is widely used on furniture metal parts, accessories and decorative products.
Chrome plating
Chrome gives a brighter, near-mirror and eye-catching surface. It is chosen for parts that need a striking, clean and modern metal look.
Copper plating
Copper is used on products that call for a warmer, characterful and decorative surface. A copper tone gives design-led parts a distinct identity.
Gold plating
Gold-tone plating gives a product a premium, elegant look. On furniture accessories, decorative metal components and custom designs it creates a striking surface effect.
Smoked, light smoked and dark smoked plating
Smoked finishes suit products that need a modern, sophisticated metal look. Light smoked gives a softer, more elegant tone, while dark smoked creates a stronger, deeper and more distinctive surface. These finishes raise the design value of decorative metal parts.
Which finish should you choose?
A finish should not be chosen by colour preference alone. The part’s use, the look the customer wants, the environment it will be fitted in, the current surface condition and series-production requirements all need to be considered together.
Our aim is not simply to have the customer pick a colour, but to define the best surface result for the part’s structure and purpose.
Frequently asked questions
Is chrome more durable than nickel?
Chrome adds a hard, tarnish-resistant top layer, while most corrosion protection comes from the nickel underneath. See does nickel plating rust?
Do you also offer rose and antique finishes?
Yes. See gold, rose gold and smoked finishes; antique finishes are produced in a dedicated section of our plant.
Not sure which finish suits your part?
Share the material, quantity and use; we will recommend the right finish and process.