
plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989
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Corrosion resistance of stainless vs. plated cabinet pulls
October 13, 2008
I want to purchase new cabinet pulls. My choices in this instance are solid SS or a satin nickel finish. Besides the cost what really is the difference.
Edward Centrella- West Bloomfield, Michigan
First of two simultaneous responses -- October 14, 2008
The solid SS will last a lot longer and will stand non chloride cleaning very well for a long time. Nickel plate is good, but is normally so thin that you will get about 10 years of service out of it.
James Watts- Navarre, Florida
Second of two simultaneous responses -- October 14, 2008
Plated pulls will last somewhere between a month and twenty years, depending on how well the plating is done. Stainless will last forever.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
September 21, 2009
I agree with Jeffrey,
It is dependent on the manufacturer, and how well it has been plated. Another factor to consider is the hardware will be touched and used. If you wear a ring perhaps and chip/scratch through the surface it will cause accelerated failing of the finish.
Go with stainless. For re-sale marketing purposes it sounds better to say "100% solid stainless steel hardware" rather than "plated hardware"
electropolishing shop - North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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