Pen Plating
There are several types of ‘plating’
materials available to pen makers for the hardware (metal parts) on your
pen. How long will
the plating last? Well, that depends on
the user and how the pen is treated (or mistreated). A person that uses his / her pen for many
hours every day vs. just a few hours per week will have a much different “wearability”
factor. The overall wear on the plating
will be determined by several factors such as the environment where it is used,
body oils of the owner, finger pressure on the nib and barrels, etc.
While I have used most all the types of plating on my pens, I try to use the best quality suited for a particular pen and the customer. Some customers want the best available and some want economical. Some of the listed platings may not be available on each of the pen styles available at JC Wood Pens. My components supplies are always adding new plating options and I will on occasion discontinue some platings and add new ones. |
Components
The components include the nib, center bands, trim rings, clip, cap finial, etc. These materials have different disabilities or ‘wear characteristics.
I have tried to list these from ‘most’ durable to ‘less’ durable based on the manufacturers information. Keep in mind I am not a metal expert, just a hobby pen maker and this information is provided for your information and consideration. JC Wood Pens does not guarantee that any of the platings will last forever. There are too many circumstances that my affect the finishes. |
PLATINUM AND RHODIUM
Rhodium is a member of the Platinum precious metals family and is unmatched in brilliance and durability. It is used by premier pen manufacturers for their finest pens. Both have a rich and elegant appearance and are chrome or silver in color. Both are very durable, resistant to scratching, and should provide many years of service. TITANIUM – Gold & Black (Titanium Nitride TN) Titanium offers superior wear resistance and is one of the most durable finishes. It is typically available in gold and black and should last a lifetime with normal use. Titanium and zirconium are combined and color is added (bonded) to the metal pen parts. The process results in a bright finish that will almost show no wear. The black finish is similar to the gold and comes in various shades of dark grey, black, gunmetal and a chrome appearance. CHROME (Black Chrome) Chrome is extremely durable and long wearing and has a nice shine. It will resist everyday wear and tear and maintain its shine. You probably know chrome from automobile bumpers and parts. It works well with both darker and lighter woods and many of the acrylic colors. Black chrome appears similar to the platinum and titanium platings at a bit less cost. It has a deeper grey color that looks good with lighter woods and acrylics. GOLD 10K & 22K This is popular plating and is a blend of gold and hard nickel that forms a brilliant plating that is affordable and typically has an epoxy coating for durability. This plating is more durable than 24K Gold; but, it is naturally shot and will show wear over time. STERLING SILVER Sterling is available of a few of my pen styles. The manufactures indicate this plating is 20 microns in thickness and is "silverware" quality. It should give many years of quality service with proper care. |
SATIN
Satin is a special plating process that produces a ‘matte’ finish with a slight texture. Depending in the pen style, satin is available in silver, gold, pearl, nickel, etc. This is a very durable low luster plating that gives pens a subtle and elegant look. BLACK ENAMEL A nice, low luster coating, this backed enamel coating is very striking and equally as durable. COPPER Copper has a unique beauty and warmth. It typically has a durable epoxy coating layer over the copper plating for wear resistance. GOLD 24K Gold plating gives your pen a rich and luxurious look. It also features a durable epoxy layer on top of the gold plating to increase wear resistance and durability. This plating is used for budget and introductory lines of pens. It will eventually show wear with heavy use and expose the brass base metal underneath. TACTILE FINISH This plating is finished with a special coating that gives the pen a soft rubber-like feel that makes it easy to hold. The finish is ‘matte black’ and looks good with lighter woods and acrylics. There are limited component sets from our suppliers that feature this finish. |