3. Polishing. Polishing is the abrasive removal of surface metal using a series of abrasive wheels and sanding belts (in the plating trade, the words "sand," "grind" and "polish" basically mean the same thing). We start by using coarse-cutting grinders and working down to soft cloth buffs. The end result is a high-gloss polished metal part with all pitting, scratches and impurities removed.

4. Wiring and Racking. We mainly use hooks, racks and copper wire to hold parts in the plating tanks. The metal also provides electrical contact to the part.

5. Cleaning. Parts must be surgically clean before plating. Even the slightest spec of dirt, grease, oil, buffing compound, rust, or other foreign matter will cause a reject. Vinci Chrome uses an elaborate series of soap, acid and water solutions to guarantee a clean and spotless surface.

6. Copper Plating and Buffing. Parts are copper plated and then buffed to a brilliant shine. This is an important step in the process, as copper offers an added layer of corrosion protection and helps to fill in polishing lines and pits. Copper is very thin and many layers of coppering and sanding can slowly build up surfaces. Using copper to level and fill is similar to a painter using a primer and block sanding.

7. Wiring, Racking and Re-cleaning. It is necessary to repeat steps 4 and 5 before nickel plating.

8. Nickel Plating. Nickel is what gives the chrome part its deep lustre as well as providing another layer of long lasting protection. Parts remain in our nickel plating tank for about an hour.

9. Chrome Plating. Chrome, the final plating step, is a protective coating over the shiny nickel and this is what prevents the nickel from tarnishing.

10. Final Inspection. Parts are cleaned and inspected which shows up any areas which may need minor buffing.