about how electro plating works

Our Price Guide will steer you on costs. For specific quotes visit us in Maddington or use our Contact Form.

Plating places and additional thin coat of metal over the item. For example, silver plating will put 10 microns of silver over the surface of the item, smoothing out mild corrosion and pitting.  This extra layer restores and strengthens the item and a lacquer will provide an anti-tarnish layer providing a long-term finish.  Polishing and lacquering simply brings up the shine with a long-lasting finish, but does not remove corrosion and pitting to the same extent.

Sterling Electro Plating plates with silver, nickel, copper, tin and gold.  We also polish and lacquer copper and brass.  We do not plate with chrome or zinc.

Lead times vary in line with work flow.  Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for us to plate your antiques. If you require your antique more urgently then let us know and we will try to accommodate.

Typically, we plate silver antiques, trophies, religious pieces and jewellery.  However, we are to plate a wide range of items including memorabilia such as a baby’s first shoes, door handles, light fittings, instruments etc.  For the industrial sector, we plate a wide range of components for different industries. 

All items are stored at our Maddington premises. Our workshop is protected out of hours by a monitored surveillance system. Items of very high worth may be stored away from the premises. In these instances, security arrangements are first discussed with the customer.

The general rule is if the item has less than 40% of its original plating, its value has been reduced.  Plating (and repair work if required) brings the item to its original condition and therefore the value is enhanced.

Some metals are impossible or difficult to plate with. We always inform clients if this is the case when items are presented for inspection. Solid (sterling) silver should never be plated. In many cases, polishing and lacquering may be all that is required to return the item to its original condition.

In many cases, the items we receive are low in value; however, their sentimental value is high. If an item can be plated (and repaired if necessary) then the value of this is personal to you.

Yes, it is possible to carry out minor repairs. We would need to view the item in order to advise.  Please use our Contact Form or visit us in Maddington.   For indicative prices on repairs see our Price Guide.

We can do pickups and general deliveries.  Specific quotes will depend on the item size and weight, distance to travel and level of security required. We obtain quotes from Capitol Transport.  Trade deliveries in Perth start at $45 and an Australia Post satchel is $25 for the Perth Metro area.

Sterling Electro Plating requires a deposit for major works, but if your work is valued at less than $1,500, we do not normally require a deposit.

You can pay via eftpos with a credit or debit card. You can also pay by cash or cheque. Industrial customers will be sent an invoice with payment options.

With the right care antiques plated by us should last for a minimum of 25 years. We are so confident in our work that we back it up with a 12-month warranty. For more warranty information click here