Art Wood Studio LLC Copyright 2007
Pen Hardware Platings - Explained
When we speak of pen hardware, we're reffering to the plated metal parts such as pocket clips, centerbands, and nibs. Like most everything else, the higher the quality and durability, the higher the price. Regardless of the plating you select, proper care of the instrument is paramount. Some platings are chosen on how they compliment the wood or acrylic of the pen. Others are selected for their higher durability and value. Not all pen styles are available in all platings.
It's important to note we do not produce these parts and therefore have no control of the various plating processes and materials used.
Gold
Probably the most common of all platings. Here are some variations of available gold plating.
ChromeBlack Chrome: Coloring oxides combined with chromium creating a black surface. Durable, but because of it's color, will show wear more readily.
Silver Sterling Silver is much thicker and therefore more durable. It is also markedly more expensive. Most sterling is coated with enamel to help retard tarnishing.
Platinum / Rhodium
Others include:
Probably the most common of all platings. Here are some variations of available gold plating.
- 24kt: Probably the least wear resistant of any gold plating.
- 10kt:
Gold mixed with Nickel offers a more durable plating.- Satin Gold
: This is a "textured" gold finish that appears to be a bit more durable than the first two gold platings described above.- Rose Gold
is accomplished by mixing copper with the gold providing a durable pinkish cast plating. This plating can tarnish over time, but can be restored with a light buffing. This plating is more durable than the previous three listed.- Titanium Gold:
Plated by different methods, this plating is the most durable. Titanium is color matched to the gold and plated below the actual gold plating. When the gold plating wears, it's almost indistinguishable from the titanium beneath.
Chrome
Silver
Platinum / Rhodium
- Although Platinum is more durable than Rhodium, they're both very good choices for platings that will last many years.
Others include:
- Copper is usually available in bright or satin, with satin being more durable of the two. Bright Copper will age like a penny and Satin Copper will wear similar to Satin Gold.
- Satin Nickel is a grayish brushed finish. Comparable in durability to Satin Gold.
- Satin Pearl is a whitish brushed finish, comparable in wear to the other satin finishes.
- Black Titanium is extremely durable and an attractive shiny dark gray finish.
- Gunmetal looks similar to Black Titanium but is much less durable.
The above represent the majority of available platings. If you have any questions or concerns whatsoever, please don't hesitate to ask questions!