Electroplating Services UK
What Is Electroplating?
Electroplating is the process of depositing a thin layer of metal onto the surface of another metal using an electric current. The item to be plated is suspended in a solution containing dissolved metal salts and connected to the negative terminal of a power supply. The current draws the dissolved metal onto the surface of the item, building the new layer atom by atom.
It is used for two reasons: protection and appearance. A nickel layer under chrome is what stops corrosion; the chrome on top is what gives the shine. On decorative items a gold or silver layer gives the look and feel of solid precious metal at a fraction of the cost.
We have been electroplating at our Weston-super-Mare workshop since 1981. Every item is hand wired rather than barrel plated, which takes longer and gives a far better result on anything with detail. Work comes to us from across the UK and our only premises where work gets undertaken is in Weston-super-Mare.
Doug Taylor Metal Finishing Co provides professional electroplating services to customers across the United Kingdom, operating from our fully equipped facility in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. We apply high-quality metal coatings, including chrome, nickel, zinc, copper, gold, and silver, to a wide range of items - from vintage motorcycle components and classic car parts to jewellery, decorative objects, and industrial hardware.
As an independently run, specialist electroplating company with decades of hands-on experience, we take pride in producing results that are visually stunning, durable, and fully compliant with UK regulations. Whether you need a single treasured item restored or a batch of engineering components finished to specification, we have the skills, equipment, and authorisations to deliver.
How the Electroplating Process Works
- Stripping. Old plating, lacquer and paint are removed by chemical stripping, reverse electrolysis or acid dipping.
- Preparation and polishing. The surface is worked back by hand. This stage decides the final result more than any other.
- Hand wiring. Each item is individually wired so the current reaches every surface evenly, including recesses.
- Plating. The item is immersed and the metal layer is deposited, with the time in the tank controlled to the thickness required.
- Inspection. Checked at each stage, not just at the end.
The metals we plate are chrome, nickel, copper, gold, silver and zinc. Where an item needs finishing rather than plating, see metal polishing.
REACH-Authorised & Fit4Chrome Certified - Doug Taylor Metal Finishing holds full authorisation under UK REACH regulations for hexavalent chromium (Cr6) plating, as well as Fit4Chrome certification. This means your parts are plated legally, safely, and to the highest recognised industry standard.
Our Electroplating Process
Every electroplating job we carry out follows a rigorous, multi-stage process. Cutting corners at any stage results in poor adhesion, uneven coverage, or premature failure - which is why our craftsmen follow a consistent workflow built on decades of refinement.
Assessment & Preparation
We begin by assessing the substrate - the base metal or material to be plated. We examine the surface condition, identify any damage, corrosion, or prior coatings, and determine the most appropriate pretreatment and plating sequence. For items with deep pitting or surface damage, polishing or metal polishing may be carried out first.
Pre-Treatment: Cleaning & Stripping
The item is thoroughly degreased to remove oils, grease, and organic contamination. Where necessary, existing coatings are chemically stripped back to bare metal. This stage is critical - any residue left on the surface will prevent the plating from adhering correctly. We use controlled chemical baths and rinse stages to ensure the substrate is completely clean before it enters the plating tank.
The Plating Bath
Finishing & Quality Inspection
Once plated, items pass through final rinse stages before being inspected for coverage evenness, adhesion quality, and surface finish. Where required, post-plate polishing is performed to achieve the final shine. Every item leaves our facility having been checked against the standard expected by a specialist plating company.
Metals We Can Electroplate
We offer six electroplating metals, each with distinct properties and ideal applications. Not sure which is right for your project? Contact us, and we'll advise.
Decorative Chrome Plating
Chrome delivers a hard, mirror-bright finish with a distinctive cool blue-silver tone. It provides excellent corrosion resistance and surface hardness. Ideal for motorcycle parts, classic car trim, and decorative metalwork. We use a traditional triple-plate process (copper, nickel, chrome) for depth and longevity.
Nickel Plating
Available in bright and sateen (brushed) finishes, nickel plating provides a warm silver-yellow tone and excellent corrosion and wear resistance. A popular choice for items where a softer, less stark finish than chrome is preferred - including vintage car components, bathroom fittings, and marine hardware.
Zinc Plating
Zinc plating is primarily used for corrosion protection on steel parts. We offer both clear and coloured zinc finishes. Widely used across engineering, automotive, and industrial applications where parts need reliable protection. Available in clear, yellow iridescent, black, or blue passivated finishes.
Copper Plating
Copper has outstanding thermal and electrical conductivity, making it a practical choice for electrical components and engineering parts. It also provides an excellent base layer under chrome and nickel plating, improving adhesion and surface coverage. Freshly plated copper presents a rich reddish-orange finish.
Gold Plating (22 Carat)
We offer 22-carat gold plating for jewellery, trophies, decorative items, and prestige components. Gold plating provides both visual luxury and practical corrosion resistance. Ideal for items that need a warm, rich appearance combined with long-lasting protection. We plate to precise thickness specifications on request.
Silver Plating
Silver plating is chosen for its bright, cool white finish and high electrical conductivity. Common applications include cutlery, candlesticks, and decorative objects, as well as electrical contacts and connectors in engineering contexts. We can silver plate a wide range of base metals and alloys.
Industries We Serve
Our customer base is varied. We work with private individuals, restoration specialists, and professional businesses across multiple sectors.
Automotive & Classic Car Restoration
Chrome and nickel plating for bumpers, door handles, window trim, grilles, and interior fittings. We work extensively with classic car owners and restoration workshops, replating original parts to factory specification. Our large plating tanks, capable of handling items up to 7 feet 10 inches, can accommodate bumpers and full-length trim sections in a single pass.
Motorcycle - Vintage & Custom Builds
From Triumph and BSA engine casings to custom café racer builds, we plate motorcycle parts in chrome, nickel, copper, and zinc. We understand the standards expected by classic bike enthusiasts and competition restorers, and we've built a strong reputation in the motorcycle community for quality and attention to detail.
Industrial & Engineering Components
Zinc and copper plating for electrical components, fasteners, brackets, and precision-engineered parts. We can work to specification for batch production runs and supply plated components to manufacturing businesses. We also offer chemical stripping and sandblasting as standalone services.
Jewellery & Decorative Items
Gold, silver, and copper plating for jewellery repairs, re-plating worn items, trophies, sculptures, and decorative metalwork. We handle small, delicate items with care and can advise on the most appropriate metal and finish for the application.
Marine & Outdoor Hardware
Salt and moisture exposure demand the best corrosion protection available. We plate marine fittings, cleats, stanchions, and deck hardware in chrome, nickel, and zinc. Our REACH-compliant processes ensure that coatings meet the durability requirements of the marine environment.
Why Choose Doug Taylor for Electroplating?
- Fully REACH-authorised for Cr6 plating. We hold the legal authorisation required to carry out hexavalent chromium plating in the UK - one of only a small number of companies to do so. Your chrome-plated parts meet regulatory requirements for use in the UK and EU supply chains.
- Fit4Chrome certified. Our Fit4Chrome accreditation is an independently verified standard of quality and compliance, giving customers and businesses confidence in the work we carry out.
- Large plating capacity. Our tanks accommodate items up to 7 feet 10 inches long - large enough for full-length bumpers, motorcycle frames, and long industrial sections without splicing.
- Family-run with hands-on expertise. Every job is assessed and carried out by experienced craftspeople who take personal responsibility for quality. We are accessible, communicative, and genuinely invested in getting the result right.
- UK-wide service. Based in Weston-super-Mare, we regularly work with customers throughout England, Wales, and Scotland who send items by courier. We can advise on safe packing and return delivery.
- Multiple services under one roof. In addition to electroplating, we offer metal polishing, sandblasting, and chemical stripping, so many jobs can be completed with us from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does electroplating cost?
The cost depends on the item's size and condition, the metal being applied, and the complexity of the required pre-treatment. Small items such as motorcycle levers or jewellery pieces are generally lower cost, while large or heavily corroded items that require strip-back and polishing before plating will be higher cost. We provide free, no-obligation quotes for all enquiries - contact us with photos and dimensions, and we'll respond promptly.
How long does electroplating take?
Turnaround time varies depending on our current workload and the nature of the job. Please call us on 01934 820 454 to confirm current lead times before sending your items. If you have a deadline, let us know when you enquire, and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What materials can be electroplated?
Electroplating works on any electrically conductive substrate - most metals can be plated directly. Common substrates we work with include steel, brass, copper, zinc alloy (zamak), and aluminium (with appropriate pre-treatment). If you're unsure whether your item can be plated, send us a photo, and we'll advise.
What is the difference between chrome and nickel plating?
Chrome plating gives a harder, brighter finish with a distinctly blue-silver tone and greater surface hardness. Nickel plating has a slightly warmer, softer appearance and is available in a wider range of finishes (bright, sateen). Nickel is often used as an undercoat before chrome, and can also be the final finish where a less stark look is preferred. See our chrome plating and nickel plating pages for more details.
Do you offer collection and delivery across the UK?
We do not operate our own collection service, but we regularly receive items sent by courier from customers throughout the UK and return them once plated. We're happy to advise on appropriate packaging to protect items in transit. For very large or fragile items, please contact us first so we can discuss the best approach.
Get a Free Electroplating Quote
Tell us about your project, and we'll get back to you with a clear, honest price. No obligation, no hard sell - just straightforward advice from specialists who know their trade.
Call us on 01934 820 454 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 am–5:00 pm) or use the enquiry form below to send photos and details of your item.