Nickel Plating
We apply hard-wearing nickel for corrosion resistance and lasting protection.
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We apply nickel finishes that resist corrosion, wear, and daily use. It's harder than silver or gold, making it the right choice for bathroom taps, door furniture, industrial components, and anything that needs to hold up over time. Nickel also works as a protective base layer beneath chrome for extra toughness. We handle both decorative nickel finishes with a bright shine and functional nickel for parts that take constant wear. The surface is prepared, cleaned, and plated using electroplating methods we've relied on since 1962. Whether you need nickel for its protective qualities or its clean, modern look, we get it done properly.
Why Choose Us for Nickel Plating
Nickel plating requires control and precision to get the thickness and finish right. We've been working with nickel for decades, applying it to everything from household fittings to industrial parts. Every job is handled by our team with experience that goes back three generations.
Family run since 1962 with proven nickel plating expertise
Bright nickel finishes for decorative work and modern appearance
Functional nickel for hard wearing industrial applications
Nickel applied as a base beneath chrome for added protection
Experience with bathroom fittings, taps, door furniture, and components
Proper surface prep ensures strong bonding and even coverage
Clear pricing and realistic timescales before work begins
How We Nickel Plate Your Items
Nickel plating needs proper preparation and controlled application to create a durable, even finish. Here's how we handle the work.
Check the Base Metal
Different metals accept nickel differently. We assess what your item is made from and prepare the surface so nickel bonds properly and lasts.
Clean and Treat
The surface gets thoroughly cleaned to remove any oils, dirt, or oxidation. Nickel won't bond evenly to a contaminated surface.
Apply Base Layers if Needed
Some items need copper applied first to create a smooth foundation. This helps nickel bond better and creates a more even finish.
Plate with Nickel
Using electroplating, we deposit nickel onto the surface. Thickness depends on whether it's decorative or functional. Hard wearing parts get thicker nickel for durability.
Finish and Polish
For bright nickel, we polish the surface to bring out the shine. Functional nickel for industrial use often stays as plated without extra polishing.
Apply Chrome if Required
If chrome is the final finish, nickel serves as the protective base layer. Chrome on its own is thin, but over nickel it becomes much more durable.
Most nickel work takes 1 to 2 weeks. Items needing multi-layer finishes take longer.
What Can Be Nickel Plated
Nickel works on many metals and suits both decorative and functional applications. Here's what we commonly plate.
Bathroom and Household Fittings
Taps, shower heads, towel rails, toilet roll holders, bathroom accessories, door handles, knobs, cabinet hardware, and light fittings.
Industrial and Functional Parts
Machine components, brackets, fasteners, tools, engineering parts, valves, and items needing corrosion resistance or wear protection.
Automotive and Motorcycle Parts
Trim pieces, badges, brackets, engine components, exhaust parts, and vintage restoration work where nickel was the original finish.
Decorative and Architectural
Picture frames, metal furniture fittings, railings, and decorative metalwork where a modern, clean finish is needed.
Base Layer for Chrome
Items being prepared for chrome plating. Nickel provides the protective foundation that makes chrome durable and long lasting.
Who Uses Our Nickel Plating Service
Nickel plating serves different purposes for different customers. Some need it for appearance. Others need it for protection and durability.
Homeowners and Property Renovators Restoring bathroom fittings, taps and door furniture where nickel gives a clean, modern finish that lasts.
Automotive and Motorcycle Restorers Refinishing parts for classic vehicles where bright nickel was the original factory finish or preparing parts for chrome.
Industrial and Engineering Businesses Protecting components from corrosion and wear in harsh environments or high use applications.
Metal Fabricators and Manufacturers Using nickel as a base beneath chrome or as a functional finish for brackets, fittings, and parts that need durability.
Anyone Needing Hard Wearing Finishes Items used daily that need to resist corrosion, scratches, and wear without losing their appearance or function.
What Does Nickel Plating Cost
Pricing depends on size, whether nickel is the final finish or a base for chrome, and how much prep work is involved. Larger items or those needing copper base layers first cost more due to the extra steps.
Send clear photos showing size and condition. Let us know if nickel is the finish or if chrome will go over it. We'll quote based on that.
Turnaround is typically 1 to 2 weeks for straightforward nickel work. Multi-layer jobs with copper base and chrome top coat take longer. We'll confirm timings with your quote.
How to Send Items to Us
Customers from across the UK send us items safely. Here's how to do it right.
Pack Well Wrap items in bubble wrap or cloth. Use a strong box with padding to prevent movement. Include your contact details and return address.
Send Insured Use tracked and insured delivery. Royal Mail Special Delivery or a courier service with full insurance protects you if anything goes wrong in transit.
What Happens We'll confirm receipt by email as soon as your items arrive. You'll get updates during the work, and we'll arrange secure return delivery when finished.
Our Address Stevenson Platers 34 Woodgrange Avenue Harrow London HA3 0XD
Common Questions About Nickel Plating
Here are the questions customers ask us most often about nickel plating. If yours isn't here, get in touch.
How durable is nickel plating compared to other finishes?
Nickel is harder and more durable than gold or silver plating. It resists scratches, wear, and corrosion better than most decorative finishes. For items that get handled daily like taps and door handles, nickel holds up well. It's also commonly used beneath chrome because it adds toughness that chrome alone doesn't have.
Will nickel plating tarnish or change colour over time?
Bright nickel can dull slightly over time if exposed to moisture, cleaning chemicals, or constant handling, but it doesn't tarnish like silver. Functional nickel for industrial use doesn't need to stay shiny, so appearance changes don't matter. Regular cleaning with mild soap keeps decorative nickel looking good for years.
Can nickel be plated over existing finishes?
Not usually. Existing plating needs stripping first so nickel bonds properly to the base metal. Plating over old finishes causes poor adhesion and peeling. We strip the item back to bare metal, prep it properly, then apply fresh nickel.
Is nickel plating suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. Nickel resists corrosion from weather, moisture, and outdoor conditions better than many other finishes. For outdoor items, we often apply thicker nickel or use nickel beneath chrome for maximum protection. Items exposed to saltwater or harsh coastal conditions may still corrode over time, but nickel holds up longer than most alternatives.
What's the difference between bright nickel and satin nickel?
Bright nickel has a shiny, reflective finish. It's polished after plating to bring out the shine and looks clean and modern. Satin nickel has a softer, matte appearance with less shine. Both are durable, but the look is different. Let us know which finish you prefer when you get in touch.
Can you nickel plate items that are badly worn or corroded?
Yes. Worn or corroded items just need more prep work. We strip the old finish, remove corrosion, polish out damage, and then plate. The worse the condition, the more work is involved, which affects price and turnaround. Send photos and we'll assess what can be done.
Why is nickel used as a base layer for chrome?
Chrome is thin and porous on its own. Applied directly to steel or brass, it doesn't protect well. Nickel underneath creates a thick, protective barrier that resists corrosion. Chrome on top gives the final shine. This combination makes chrome finishes durable and long lasting. Without nickel beneath, chrome peels and fails quickly.
Can I drop my items off in person?
Yes. We're in Harrow, London. Bringing items directly often works better, especially for larger or fragile pieces. Call 07391 007 123 first to arrange a time.
Is nickel plating safe for bathroom fittings and taps?
Yes. Nickel holds up well in damp environments and resists water corrosion. It's commonly used for taps, towel rails, and bathroom hardware. Just avoid harsh chemical cleaners that can damage any plated finish over time. Mild soap and water keeps nickel looking good.
Can nickel plating be repaired if it gets scratched or damaged?
Deep scratches or damaged areas usually need stripping and replating. Surface marks can sometimes be polished out if the nickel layer is thick enough. Send photos of the damage and we'll let you know whether repair or full replating is the better option.
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us what you need nickel plating on and send photos showing size and condition. Let us know if nickel is the final finish or if chrome will go over it.
Nickel Plating Across London and the UK
We've been nickel plating for customers across London and throughout the UK since 1962. From bathroom fittings and door furniture to industrial parts and automotive restoration, we handle nickel work properly. Based in Harrow, we're here to help. Visit us directly or send items by post with full insurance.
Pricing depends on size, whether nickel is the final finish or a base for chrome, and how much prep work is involved. Larger items or those needing copper base layers first cost more due to the extra steps.