Frequently Asked Questions

Turnaround times vary based on the type of plating and the scope of work. For standard services like chrome or nickel plating on small to medium parts, we typically complete work within 3-5 business days. Larger production runs or complex projects involving multiple processes (stripping, polishing, plating) may take 1-2 weeks. Rush services are available for qualified projects—just let us know your deadline and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Yes, we understand that deadlines happen. Rush services are available for most projects when our production schedule allows. A rush fee may apply depending on the urgency and scope of work. We recommend calling us directly at (970) 848-2065 to discuss your timeline—we'll always be upfront about what's possible.

We work with steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, and aluminum substrates. The key requirement is that the base metal must be conductive. We cannot plate directly onto chrome, plastic, or rubber without first applying a conductive coating or removing the existing finish. Our team will evaluate your parts and recommend the best approach during the quote process.

Absolutely—restoration is one of our specialties. We can strip the old chrome, repair pitting and surface damage through welding and machining (if needed), polish the substrate to the proper surface finish, and then re-chrome to better-than-new condition. Note that severe damage may require additional repair costs, and we'll always provide a complete estimate before starting work.

Thickness depends on the type of plating and your application requirements. Decorative chrome is typically 0.00001 to 0.00002 inches (0.25-0.5 microns). Hard chrome for industrial applications can be much thicker, ranging from 0.0005 to 0.010 inches (12-250 microns). Nickel plating is often applied at 0.0005 to 0.002 inches (12-50 microns). We can plate to your exact specifications and provide thickness certification with every order.

Yes, we provide full documentation with every job. This includes visual inspection reports, thickness measurements using calibrated instrumentation, and adhesion test results. For aerospace and industrial customers requiring ISO or AS certifications, we maintain detailed process controls and can provide the documentation needed for your quality systems. Just let us know your certification requirements when requesting a quote.

No minimums for most services. We happily handle single-piece restoration projects and production runs alike. For very large production runs (thousands of parts), we offer volume discounts and dedicated scheduling options. Call us to discuss your project—we'll find a solution that works for your quantity and budget.

Yes, we ship throughout the United States. We carefully package all orders to ensure safe transit. For large or fragile items, we recommend arranging your own freight or pickup. We can also receive incoming shipments on your behalf—just have them sent to our Yuma facility with your name and order reference.

Decorative chrome is primarily for appearance—it's thin (about 0.25 microns) and sits over a layer of nickel. It provides that bright, mirror-like finish you see on car trim and motorcycle parts. Hard chrome is applied much thicker (often 20+ microns) and is valued for its wear resistance, low friction coefficient, and durability. Hard chrome is used on hydraulic rods, engine components, and industrial machinery. We offer both types depending on your needs.

We do our best to match existing finishes, though exact matching can be challenging depending on the original plating method and substrate condition. For critical color matching, we recommend bringing a sample or photograph. We're experienced with various finishes including bright chrome, satin chrome, nickel (bright and satin), copper, and custom antique finishes.

While we're located in Yuma, CO, we serve clients nationwide. Our primary service area includes Colorado (Denver metro, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Western Slope communities), Arizona (Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff), New Mexico, Utah, Kansas, and Nebraska. We also ship to customers across the continental United States.