The art of choosing the correct plating finish.

When creating something special, like a medal, the finish of the medal makes all the difference. A plating finish can add style, and quality to a medal. This case study looks at the different options and finishes available at Merit to create great medals.

A B2B customer with a focus on the collectors medal market consulted us to produce a medal. The brief was high quality medals that looked good and special, but adhered to a budget. Some collectors loved shiny, modern designs, while others preferred an antique, historical look. Our task was to find the finish that best suited the project.

We offered a range of plating finishes to see what the customer wanted. In this case the options that they selected were:

1. Golden Plate: For those who wanted a straightforward gold plating look. The yellow gold plating layer gave the medals a bright luster and a rich appearance.
2. Antique Silver: The first alternative was to create medals with an antique silver finish. To achieve this we plated them in silver and then oxidised the surface. This blackened the medal surface. Then we brushed the surface to revive the top details, bringing them back to a silver colour. This gives a high contrast effect, and highlights the details.
3. Antique Brass: simular to the antique silver above we oxidise the surface and polish it back to relieve the details.
4. Durable Protection: Each antique medal is sealed with a clear protective coat to prevent scratches and keep the medals looking great for years.

The medals were well received by the company that we were working with and a big success subsequently with their customers.

In addition to looking amazing, the medals were durable and long-lasting. By offering different finishes, the client could reach a wider audience while staying within their budget.

Choosing the right plating finish can make a big difference. Whether it’s shiny and new or old and historic, the finish tells a story. The services that Merit provides adds value to our B2B customers. Ready to make your idea come to life? Contact us today, and we’ll help create something unforgettable.