Summary for cabinet handles plating process Discussion
The cabinet handles plating process question centers on what finish is best for newly cast handles and what chemical or color options are practical. In the thread, Khozem Vahaanwala Saify Ind 2004 explains that electroplating deposits metal, not pigments, so color choices are limited; he says nickel-chrome plating is ideal, with black chromium or brass as other options, while gold plating is usually too expensive for most cabinet handles. Adrian Chin adds a practical material suggestion: if brass is used as the base, a waxed or polished finish can look attractive and be easier to maintain, especially with dark wood cabinets. He also notes that if the plan is to use EN/nickel-chrome plating, a cheaper base material such as mild steel may make more sense. Overall, the discussion favors nickel-chrome for a durable, attractive finish and emphasizes matching the base metal to the intended finish.
Q. Hi sir. I’m jahangir from bangladesh. Sir, I’m already bought a die casting machine for production of cabinet handles … and want to best colour with electroplating. So please suggest which chemical is better for me.
md jahangir
– dhaka
August 19, 2022
A. Hi jahangir. Electroplating deposits metal rather than pigments or dyes, so color options are very limited. Nickel-chrome plating is ideal, as suggested by Khozem. You could also do black chromium or brass. Gold plating is too expensive for most cabinet handles.
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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com – Pine Beach, New Jersey
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⇩ Similar, related, Q&As — oldest first ⇩
Q. I have designed a new cabinet handle (for drawers and cupboards). There is no fine detail, only a unique smooth shape. I am ready to have the handle produced and plated. These are to be high quality handles with a brushed nickel finish. I think we are going to use brass for the body of the handle (this is flexible) but will need to plate it with something that will be VERY durable and maintain the finish for years (protect from rust, corrosion scratching etc.). Could you offer some suggestions on what type of finishes may provide this? I am familiar with powder coating and electroplating, and believe the electro plating is what we need. But what kind of metals, in what order, at what thickness, what processes will give me the quality I am looking for. (I’m learning as fast as I can, please point me in the right direction and I will keep studying)
Thanks muches!
Lorraine Vitkauskas
soon to be manufacturer of cabinet handles – Portland, Oregon, USA
2004
A. I would suggest electroless nickel plating ( brass substrate is quite difficult to plate with electroless nickel but if you know some shops that could do this it is better to try it first ).
MArlon L. Cordez
– Sta. Rosa, Laguna, Philippines
2004
A. Dear Mr Lorraine Vitkauskas,
Good old Nickel-Chromium plating is what you want to go for.
Khozem Vahaanwala
Saify Ind
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2004
A. Dear sir,
May I humbly suggest :
1. If you want to use brass as a base material, you might want to consider waxing/polished finish. Especially if you mount onto cabinet with dark wood color. A handle processed this way is not difficult to maintain luster. And well made and polished brass handles and cabinet knobs have that look to them.
2. If you want to EN/Nickel Chrome, etc… the handle, then you might as well consider using cheap steel base material like mild steel. Just my 2 cents.
Adrian Chin
– Penang, Malaysia
2004