Electroplating is the process of utilizing electric current to bond a thin layer of one metal to the surface of another metal. (and believe it or not, it is a process that can be documented in medieval times, although we use somewhat different equipment now, the theory is the same).
For the purpose of Performance Armour, electroplating can be performed on mild steel and stainless steel pieces. Common metals available for electroplating are: Nickel, Copper, Brass, Gold, Chrome, Black Chrome, and Silver. This can produce some stunning visual effects on your armour as areas can be masked off prior to electroplating, and multiple materials can be plated on sequentially, thereby allowing a design to be created. (Imagine having your coat of arms plated onto your breastplate, for instance).
Electroplating is not paint. . . it's not going to rub off with some laquer thinner, and is in fact -much- more durable than paint (because the two metals are actually bonded to each other at the molecular level). However electroplating is -not- indestructible, it can be scratched, and because the layer of deposited metal is not very thick, it can be scratched -through- to reveal the base metal beneath. If the piece we are electroplating on your behalf is intended for combat recreation, please let us know ahead of time, and we will quote a price for the thickest plating it is practical to deposit, in order to produce the most durable end product we can for you.
Electroplating is a completely custom process that we can quote for you on a case-by-case basis.
Some Thoughts:
- Electroplate your coat of arms onto your gear.
- Have an early-period persona. . . Greek perhaps. Get a corinthian helmet manufactured from Steel so that it's combat-approved. . . and then have it plated in Brass so that it looks appropriate.
- Recreating a copper-age or Bronze-age persona. . . have some or all of your armour plated to match.
- Don't want to polish that mild steel. . . Nickel plate it, nickel doesn't rust, or tarnish.
- You haven't seen anything until you've seen a helmet that's been gold-plated!!!
