ARDMORE, 1916, 26' Minett Launch

Re-plating Boat Hardware
When boat hardware loses it’s shine or shows other signs of age such as corrosion it can be returned to new condition through the process of re-plating.  This is a multi-step process beginning with careful removal of boat hardware including screws. 

Labeling and photographic records enable easy later replacement.  Fittings are boxed and shipped to professional platers.  

Old plating is stripped to base metal through an electrolytic process using an acid bath.  Hardware is then thoroughly washed clean of acid.  A first coat of copper is electroplated while the hardware is suspended in a bath of copper sulfate.  A second electroplating step adds a coat of nickel.  Some nickel plating processes stop here with polishing as the final step.  

If desired, a final bath of electroplating with chromium provides a hard finish which can withstand elements with little need for polishing.  

Parts are then carefully wrapped, boxed and returned to the boat shop for reinstallation.