Question 1

How much does gold plating cost?

Accepted Answer

The $500 minimum and the $100 per square inch rate apply per metal deposited. Each metal is priced at $100 per square inch plated or the $500 minimum, whichever is greater. A job that deposits more than one metal (a nickel undercoat plus a gold top coat, for example) is estimated as separate line items, one per metal, each with its own minimum. Strikes, activation and pretreatment are included in the line for their metal — they are never billed as separate processes. Sales tax of 9.75% applies to plating charges; shipping is not taxed. Send a photo and we'll confirm a firm price, usually within one business day.

Question 2

How do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

Send us a photo. Use the quote form on this site or text a picture of your item to (760) 458-3299 with a rough size and quantity, and we'll respond with a firm quote — no drop-off required to get started.

Question 3

How long does gold plating take?

Accepted Answer

Most single items are completed in days, not weeks. Production runs are scheduled to your deadline, and rush service is available. Turnaround is confirmed with your quote so there are no surprises.

Question 4

Do you handle bulk or production runs?

Accepted Answer

Yes — high-volume capacity is one of our core strengths. We plate production quantities for electronics, medical, and industrial clients, not just one-off pieces. Volume pricing applies on larger runs.

Question 5

What is the difference between 24K and 18K gold plating?

Accepted Answer

24K is pure gold: the richest color, best conductivity, and highest chemical inertness, but relatively soft. 18K is alloyed gold: slightly less saturated in color but noticeably harder-wearing, making it the better choice for items that are handled daily.

Question 6

What metals can you plate onto?

Accepted Answer

Steel, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, nickel alloys, and aluminum are all routine. Most base metals receive a nickel underplate first for adhesion and as a diffusion barrier. If you're unsure what your item is made of, send a photo and we'll assess it.

Question 7

Do you sell gold plating kits or supplies?

Accepted Answer

No. We are a service-only professional lab — you send or drop off your items, and we plate them. We do not sell kits, solutions, or equipment.

Question 8

Is there anything you can't plate?

Accepted Answer

We can't plate non-conductive materials (plastic, wood, glass) without special metallization, and heavily corroded or structurally compromised items may need restoration first. Send photos and we'll tell you honestly whether your piece is a good candidate.

Question 9

How thick is your gold plating?

Accepted Answer

Thickness is matched to the application — decorative work typically runs lighter, while engineering and mil-spec work is plated to a specified thickness (commonly quoted in microinches) and verified before delivery. Tell us your spec and we plate to it.

Question 10

How long does gold plating last?

Accepted Answer

It depends on thickness and wear. A properly prepared, adequately thick gold layer on a nickel underplate lasts years on handled items and far longer on protected surfaces like connectors or display pieces. We'll recommend a thickness for your use case.

Question 11

Can you re-plate worn or vintage items?

Accepted Answer

Yes — restoration is a large part of our jewelry and decorative work. Worn plating is stripped, the surface is refinished, and fresh gold is applied. Sentimental and heirloom pieces are handled with appropriate care.

Question 12

Do you plate jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Rings, chains, watches, and custom pieces — both new finishing and restoration. We work with individual clients as well as jewelers who send us regular batches.

Question 13

Can you meet MIL-SPEC or ASTM plating standards?

Accepted Answer

We plate to specification for aerospace, defense, and engineering clients, including thickness classes and purity types defined by standards like MIL-G-45204 and ASTM B488. Send your drawing or spec sheet with your quote request.

Question 14

Do you offer chrome plating too?

Accepted Answer

Yes — mirror-finish chrome electroplating, with polishing and powder coating available through our sister division under the same parent company, Pacific Intelligence. For dedicated chrome or full restoration projects we'll route you to the right team.

Question 15

Where are you located?

Accepted Answer

Our lab is in San Diego, California, in North County San Diego. We serve all of San Diego County, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and up to Los Angeles. Local clients can arrange drop-off and pickup Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.

Question 16

Can I ship items to you?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Clients outside Southern California ship items to our San Diego lab regularly. We confirm receipt on arrival, plate to the agreed spec, and return-ship fully insured. Get your quote first and we'll send packing guidance.

Question 17

Is my item safe in your lab?

Accepted Answer

We run a professional, controlled facility — not a garage operation. Items are logged on intake, tracked through every process step, and inspected before return. High-value pieces are common in our workflow.

Question 18

Why is there a $500 minimum?

Accepted Answer

Professional plating involves fixed costs regardless of item size: chemistry preparation, surface prep, masking, quality inspection, and documented process control. The minimum ensures every job — even a single small piece — gets the full professional process. Each metal's bath carries those costs independently, which is why the minimum applies per metal.

Question 19

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

50% deposit on acceptance of the estimate, 50% on completion before parts ship. Payment by wire transfer or Zelle. No card processing. The price you approve is the price you pay; nothing is committed until the estimate is approved in writing and the deposit is received.

Question 20

Do you gold plate car parts and emblems?

Accepted Answer

Yes — emblems, trim, badges, and custom parts for luxury and show vehicles are a regular part of our automotive work. Parts must be removed from the vehicle before plating.

Question 21

Can you plate electronics without damaging them?

Accepted Answer

We plate electronic components — connectors, pins, contacts, RF hardware — not assembled consumer devices. Components are plated to preserve dimensional tolerances and solderability. Ask us about your specific part.

Question 22

What should I do before sending my item?

Accepted Answer

Nothing — don't polish, clean with chemicals, or disassemble anything beyond what's needed for shipping. Surface preparation is part of our process, and DIY cleaning can complicate it. Just photograph the item as-is for your quote.

Question 23

Do you offer pickup or delivery?

Accepted Answer

For commercial clients and larger orders in our SoCal service area, pickup and delivery can be arranged — mention it in your quote request. Individual clients are welcome to drop off at our San Diego lab during business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Send us a photo of your item.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does gold plating cost?−

How do I get a quote?+

How long does gold plating take?+

Do you handle bulk or production runs?+

What is the difference between 24K and 18K gold plating?+

What metals can you plate onto?+

Do you sell gold plating kits or supplies?+

Is there anything you can't plate?+

How thick is your gold plating?+

How long does gold plating last?+

Can you re-plate worn or vintage items?+

Do you plate jewelry?+

Can you meet MIL-SPEC or ASTM plating standards?+

Do you offer chrome plating too?+

Where are you located?+

Can I ship items to you?+

Is my item safe in your lab?+

Why is there a $500 minimum?+

How do I pay?+

Do you gold plate car parts and emblems?+

Can you plate electronics without damaging them?+

What should I do before sending my item?+

Do you offer pickup or delivery?+

Send us a photo of your item.