Brass and bronze plating metals increases the wearability and life span of metals over those that are not protected by plating. Electroplating metals gives them abrasion and wear resistance, corrosion protection, lubricity and aesthetic appeal. While plating can be done in gold, silver and copper, brass and bronze are popular because of their cost efficiency.

Whether you are looking to plate door knobs or jewelry, you will want to choose plating that will be cost effective for your small business. As you search for brass and bronze plating options, keep the following in mind:

1. Locate a brass and bronze plating specialist

2. Purchase kits for low volume plating

3. Buy industrial electroplating equipment for large volume plating needs

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find brass and bronze plating services

A well-established company that specializes in brass and bronze plating is a good choice when it comes to outsourcing. You will want a company that uses automation for their plating in order to get the most for your money.

I recommend: Joyner's has been in business for over 50 years. They provide top notch custom bronze electroplating and etching services. They pride themselves on their tooling accuracy. FH Lambert specializes in precious metal plating. Choose brass electroplating finished in bright, satin or matte finishes. Anchor Lamina is one of the largest bronze plating facilities in the U.S.

Purchase brass and bronze plating equipment

Brass and bronze plating kits are perfect for the business that does low volume plating. Plating kits are less expensive than industrial equipment, but will yield the same great results. Find both bronze and brass plating equipment that will suit your small business needs.

I recommend: Ready-to-use plating kits can be purchased from Plating Sales. Purchase brass plating kits from two to fifteen gallons. Caswell Plating sells bronze plating equipment. Use their kits to bronze anything from door knobs to baby shoes.

Locate industrial brass and bronze electroplating equipment

When you are dealing with a large volume, you will want to automate the plating process. Modular machines allow you to purchase just the equipment you need and allow for easy upgrades in the future. Electroplating equipment comes in varying degrees of automation. Based on the volume of plating you do, choose from partially- to fully-automated equipment to get the job done.

I recommend: Hardwood Line has an extensive line of plating barrels that will suit the needs of your large volume plating needs. Choose the cylinder style, construction method and superstructure configuration that will best fit your plating application. Mesa West has an extensive online catalog of plating equipment and supplies.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Outsource brass and bronze plating services when your volume is not large enough to warrant purchasing kits or industrial plating equipment. It will be more cost effective to outsource than to purchase all of the equipment.