Plating pen kits utilizes a process where precious metals are electrically, chemically, or mechanically deposited onto the surface of the pen's parts.
GOLD PLATING: the most common pen finish, although many of the silver finishes have become more popular recently. Gold plating is ultimately not durable when exposed to abrasion. Even the best plating will eventually abrade - it just takes a lot longer to do it. Gold plating can be made more durable depending on the method used to plate, additives in the gold, and techniques employed. No matter what is done, all gold plating will wear off over time when abraded. This is simply a fact of physics as gold is a very soft metal. Plating other than gold can be very durable. We do not intentionally use or recommend this finish although you will see it often with low end pen sellers.
24K UPGRADE GOLD PLATING: means that the parts are plated using the "rack method" and that small amounts of cobalt or palladium are added to the plating chemicals. In the "rack method", the parts are separated and plated individually on a "plating tree". This enhances the durability of the gold plating.
TITANIUM GOLD PLATING: produces the most durable gold pen kit plating available. The process used is called PVD (particle vapor deposition). In this process, Titanium nitride matched to the color of gold is molecularly bonded to the part and then 24K gold is bonded (sputtered) on the part to achieve a color match. The parts are again re-plated after this. The final result is that the parts will virtually never show wear.
CHROME: extremely durable and will last for many years under normal use. The chrome plated pen kits have become very popular in recent years reflecting a trend toward this look.
PLATINUM: offers a very durable hard plating. If you select a pen kit that uses real platinum rather than rhodium, it should be expected to hold up under normal careful use for many years.
RHODIUM: used by the worlds premier pen manufacturers to plate their very finest pens. Rhodium is unmatched in brilliance and durability.
BLACK TITANIUM/GUN METAL: The black titanium process uses titanium oxide molecularly bonded (PVD). This plating is unbelievably hard and durable. It will last for many, many years. The black titanium plating process gives the pen kits a very unique and stylish look.
COPPER: offers a unique beauty and warmth that begs to be held. Because Copper is soft by nature, these pens feature a durable epoxy layer on top of the copper plating to increase wear resistance.
SATIN SERIES: undergo a special plating process that produces a matte finish that features a slight texture that looks and feels great. This popular plating offers a unique alternative to traditional plating.