Thin gold or nickel layer for a luxe look; edges may wear.
What it is
Plating, usually electroplating, deposits a thin layer of metal such as gold, silver, nickel or chrome onto a base material using an electrochemical process. It gives a piece the look and shine of the plating metal while the core stays a different, often more affordable, material. PVD is a different coating process, though both add a thin surface layer. Thickness and quality depend on the maker.
How it feels in your EDC
A plated piece looks and feels like the plating metal on the surface, with the weight of the base material underneath. Plating makes precious-metal looks, bright chrome and warm gold tones more approachable. The finish can be mirror-bright, satin or textured, depending on how the base surface was prepared before plating.
Care & aging
Plating is a thin layer, so edges and high-contact areas may slowly wear through with daily carry, revealing the base metal. Some plating metals, like silver, can also tarnish. Wipe plated pieces with a soft cloth, keep them dry, and avoid abrasive polishes, scouring pads and harsh chemicals that can remove the plating faster.
是什么
电镀（Plating），通常指电镀工艺，是用电化学方法在底材上沉积一层很薄的金属，例如金、银、镍或铬。它让作品拥有镀层金属的外观和光泽，而内芯是另一种往往更实惠的材料。PVD 是另一种镀膜工艺，但两者都是增加一层薄表面。厚度和品质取决于品牌。
上手感受
电镀作品的表面看起来、摸起来都像镀层金属，重量则来自底下的底材。电镀让贵金属外观、亮铬和暖金色调更加亲民。根据电镀前底材表面的处理，效果可以是镜面、缎面或带纹理。
保养与老化
电镀层很薄，日常携带中边缘和常接触处可能慢慢磨穿，露出底下的金属。银等部分镀层金属还可能氧化变暗。用软布擦拭电镀作品，保持干燥，避免会加速去除镀层的研磨抛光剂、百洁布和强化学品。
