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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Silver Plating on Brass for Watch Dials

We are starting the process of making watch dials. Would appreciate if someone can suggest the best way of electroplating silver on brass in a cyanide batch. We want the best bright finish in order to make the top of the line watch dials.

Sandeep Gupta
- Delhi, India
2006

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First of two simultaneous responses --

Hire the best available plating shop. Plating requires a lot more control of all variables than a "just dip it" thought that most non platers have. Alternative, send your best employee to a hands on silver plating class.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2006

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

Before someone suggests a cleaning and activation cycle, could you tell us if the substrate is leaded brass or unleaded. Will the parts be polished (buffing compound removal)? Will you be able to plate a diffusion barrier such as nickel under the silver? A lot of jewelry is nickel free these days. I assume the parts can be rack plated? Some additional info will help us. Regards,

Mark Baker
process engineer - Malone, New York
2006

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Hi Mark Baker
We will be nickel plating it and there will be no surface finishes after electro plating. We are looking to impart some special finishes like mother of pearl and deep colored finishes to the watch faces(dials) and are willing to tie up with a company or an individual who has in depth knowledge about such finishes on a business level

Sandeep Gupta
- Delhi, India
2006

It sounds like you want a variety of finishes. There are bright silvers on the market that can be plated on nickel. As far as other finishes, work with a reputable plater and show them samples of the different finishes you desire. Starting up a captive (in-house) plating operation is very expensive and the learning curve is very lengthy. If you want to hit the ground running with these watch dials, using a good plater in your area would be the way to go. Good Luck!

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
2006

adv.