Nickel plating provides a unique combination of corrosion and wear resistance. It can add brightness, lustre and appeal. It also provides excellent adhesion properties for subsequentcoating layers, which is why nickel is often used as an ‘undercoat’ for other coatings, such as chromium.

Typical specifications for nickel plating services include QQ-N-290 and ASTM B689.

There are three standard types of nickel plating, each of which is useful for particular applications: 

• Bright Nickel Plating – provides a smooth, level, and very glossy finish typically valued for its decorative appearance and corrosion resistance.
• Semi-Bright Nickel Plating – provides a less bright finish with high ductility, corrosion-resistance, and electrical conductivity, making it ideal for engineering and building applications.
• Dull nickel plating – dull nickel plating is the least bright finish, with high resistance to abrasion, corrosion, and wear, making it perfect for engineering applications.