Plating on Aluminium — Expert Surface Prep, Long-Lasting Finish
Aluminium is a lightweight and versatile metal — but it's notoriously difficult to plate without the right preparation. At Concours Plating, we specialise in plating on aluminium surfaces, combining proven pre-treatment methods with in-house plating expertise to ensure long-lasting adhesion and consistent finish quality.
Whether you're after a decorative chrome or protective nickel layer, we know how to get plating to bond properly with aluminium — no peeling, no flaking, no shortcuts.
Benefits of Plating on Aluminium
How We Plate Aluminium Component
Our multi-step process ensures strong adhesion and a flawless finish:
-
Degreasing & Cleaning — removing contaminants and oils
-
Alkaline Etching & Desmutting — essential for aluminium surfaces
-
Zincate Treatment — to prepare the aluminium for metal adhesion
-
Strike Layer Application — often using copper or nickel
-
Final Plating — chrome, nickel, silver, brass or gold, depending on requirements
-
Polishing / Sealing / Inspection — as needed for finish protection
Common Aluminium Applications We Plate
-
Classic and custom car trim, wheels, and accessories
-
Motorcycle parts and levers
-
Electrical and aerospace components
-
Furniture fittings and architectural details
-
Restoration of vintage aluminium hardware
Why Choose Concours Plating?
-
Proven experience with aluminium pre-treatment
-
All processes done in-house — control from prep to final plate
-
Flexible plating options — chrome, nickel, brass, gold and more
-
Trusted by car builders, restorers, designers and engineers
-
We plate aluminium parts, profiles, and decorative objects
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is aluminium difficult to plate?
Aluminium oxidizes quickly, making it hard for plating to adhere. Without proper surface treatment — especially zincate and strike layers — the plating can peel or fail. We use proven steps to prevent that.
What finishes can you apply to aluminium?
We can apply chrome, nickel, brass, silver, gold, and other finishes — depending on your needs and the part’s use.
Can you polish aluminium before plating?
Yes. Polishing is an important prep step and can be done to various finishes — mirror, satin, or brushed — before plating.
