Silver Plating
We've been silver plating for customers across London and the UK since 1962.
We restore tarnished cutlery, worn tea sets, antique trays, and decorative pieces using traditional silver plating techniques. Every item is stripped, cleaned, polished, and plated with real silver. We also apply a protective lacquer finish that slows tarnish and keeps the shine lasting longer. Whether you have a single piece or an entire collection, we treat each one with the same attention and care the Stevenson family has been known for since the beginning.
Why Choose Us for Silver Plating
Silver plating requires precision and patience. We've refined our methods over six decades, working on everything from family heirlooms to restaurant cutlery. Every piece is handled personally by our team.
Three generations of silver plating experience since 1962
We plate and finish everything ourselves from start to end
Protective lacquer applied to reduce tarnish
Real silver electroplating for a lasting, authentic finish
Experience restoring cutlery, tea services, trays, and antique silverware
Transparent pricing and clear timescales before work begins
Customers across London and the UK trust us with their silver
How We Silver Plate Your Items
Silver plating involves more than just applying a silver coating. The surface must be prepared properly so the silver bonds and lasts. Here's our process.
Remove Old Plating
If the item was previously plated, we strip away the old silver to expose the base metal. This gives the new plating a clean surface to bond to.
Clean Thoroughly
Every trace of dirt, oils, and residue gets removed. Silver won't bond evenly to a dirty surface, so this step is crucial.
Polish the Surface
We polish out scratches, dents, and marks. A smooth base means a smooth finish once the silver is applied.
Apply Silver
The item is placed in a silver solution and electroplating deposits real silver onto the surface. We control the thickness to suit how the item will be used.
Buff and Finish
After plating, we buff the silver to bring out its natural shine and ensure an even finish across the entire piece.
Apply Protective Lacquer
We finish with a clear protective lacquer that slows tarnish and keeps your silver looking good for longer. This step is especially important for items on display or used regularly.
Most jobs take 1 to 2 weeks. Larger collections or heavily worn items may need more time.
What Can Be Silver Plated
We restore all types of silver items, from everyday cutlery to pieces with sentimental value. If it was silver plated before, we can restore it.
Cutlery and Tableware
Knives, forks, spoons, serving spoons, carving sets, and full flatware collections.
Tea and Coffee Services
Teapots, coffee pots, sugar bowls, milk jugs, trays, cake stands, and serving dishes.
Decorative and Household
Picture frames, candlesticks, vases, bowls, trays, cigarette boxes, napkin rings, and decorative pieces.
Antiques and Collectables
Vintage silverware, antique trays, family heirlooms, trophy cups, presentation pieces, and restored antiques needing re-plating.
Religious Items
Church chalices, communion sets, altar items, crosses, and other liturgical silverware.
Who Uses Our Silver Plating Service
We restore silver for private homes, collectors, restaurants, churches, and antique dealers. Each customer has different needs, but the goal is always the same: make the silver look right and last.
Families with Inherited Silver Restoring cutlery sets, tea services, and trays passed down through generations.
Restaurants and Hotels Keeping silverware looking professional for guests and maintaining a polished dining experience.
Antique Collectors and Dealers Re-plating worn antiques before sale or returning pieces to their original condition for personal collections.
Churches Restoring communion sets, chalices, and other silver items used in services.
Anyone with Tarnished or Worn Silver Items that have lost their shine, worn through to the base metal, or need restoring after years of use.
What Does Silver Plating Cost
The price depends on the size of the item, how worn it is, and how much prep work is involved. Cutlery sets cost less per piece than large decorative trays. Badly worn items take more time to strip and polish before plating.
Send us photos showing the condition and size of what you need done. We'll give you a clear price before starting. No surprises.
Turnaround is usually 1 to 2 weeks for most items. Larger jobs or full cutlery sets may take longer. We'll confirm timings when we quote.
How to Send Items to Us
Customers from across the UK send us their silver safely. Here's the best way to do it.
Pack Carefully Wrap each piece separately in bubble wrap or soft cloth. Use a sturdy box with padding. Include a note with your name, phone number, email, and return address.
Use Insurance Always send tracked and insured. Royal Mail Special Delivery or a courier service with full insurance protects you if anything happens in transit.
What to Expect We'll email you as soon as your items arrive. You'll get updates while we're working on them, and we'll arrange safe return delivery when they're finished.
Our Address Stevenson Platers 34 Woodgrange Avenue Harrow London HA3 0XD
Common Questions About Silver Plating
Here are the questions we hear most often. If yours isn't listed, get in touch and we'll explain everything.
Will silver plating stop my items from tarnishing?
Silver plating itself will still tarnish over time because silver reacts naturally with air and moisture. However, we apply a protective lacquer finish after plating that significantly slows the tarnishing process. Items on display or used occasionally will stay looking good for much longer with this protection. Cutlery used daily will still need occasional cleaning, but tarnish builds up more slowly.
Can you silver plate items that are badly damaged or worn through?
Yes. Items with heavy wear, exposed base metal, scratches, or dents can all be restored. The worse the condition, the more prep work is needed before plating. We'll assess your items from the photos you send and let you know what can be done.
How thick is the silver you apply?
We adjust thickness based on how the item will be used. Cutlery that gets washed regularly needs thicker plating for durability. Display pieces can have lighter plating since they aren't handled as much. We'll recommend what's right for your items.
Can you match existing silver items in a set?
We aim to get as close as possible. Silver plating gives a consistent finish, but slight variations can happen depending on the base metal underneath and how worn the original pieces were. If matching is crucial, let us know and we can discuss plating the entire set to ensure consistency.
Is the silver you use real silver?
Yes. We use real silver applied through electroplating. It's not paint, coating, or imitation. The silver bonds to the base metal and becomes part of the surface.
How do I clean silver plated items after they're restored?
Use a soft cloth and warm soapy water for regular cleaning. Dry thoroughly after washing. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or scrubbing pads as these can damage the plating. For tarnish that does develop over time, use a gentle silver polish made for plated items, not solid silver.
Can I drop off my silver in person?
Yes. We're in Harrow, London. Bringing your items directly often works better, especially for larger sets or fragile antiques. Call 07391 007 123 first so we can arrange a time.
What if my silver has sentimental value?
We understand some pieces mean more than others. Send everything fully insured and tracked. We've restored family heirlooms, wedding gifts, and passed-down silverware for decades. If you're concerned, visit us so we can talk through the process and show you how we work.
Will replating devalue antique silver?
Not necessarily. Worn or damaged silver often needs replating to restore its appearance and function. Many collectors and dealers replate antiques as part of proper restoration. If you're unsure, send us photos and we can discuss whether plating is the right choice for your specific items.
Can you restore items that have been stored badly and have heavy tarnish?
Yes. Heavy tarnish isn't permanent damage. It just takes more cleaning and prep work before we can plate. Even items stored for decades in damp conditions or left in attics can be brought back. Send photos and we'll assess what's needed.
Get Your Free Quote
Tell us what you need restored and send photos showing the condition. We'll reply quickly, usually within the hour during working hours.
Silver Plating Across London and the UK
We've restored silverware, cutlery, tea sets, and antiques for customers across London and throughout the UK since 1962. Based in Harrow, we're here to help bring your silver back. Visit us directly or send your items by post with full insurance.
The price depends on the size of the item, how worn it is, and how much prep work is involved. Cutlery sets cost less per piece than large decorative trays. Badly worn items take more time to strip and polish before plating.