Frequently Asked Questions

We work with a wide range of metals including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, and chrome-plated surfaces. If you're not sure what your material is, bring it in — we'll take a look and give you honest advice on what's possible. Some metals require special preparation or may not be suitable for certain plating processes, and we'll tell you upfront if that's the case.

Absolutely! We serve everyone from classic car enthusiasts with a single bumper to aerospace manufacturers with recurring production runs. Each project gets the same attention to detail, regardless of size. We understand that a single collector might be just as passionate about their project as a large corporation is about their production run.

Yes, we do offer rush services for time-sensitive projects. Depending on our current workload, we can often accommodate rush requests with a 50% surcharge. If you have a show, event, or deadline you're working toward, let us know — we'll do our best to make it happen. However, we won't rush quality, so extremely large rush jobs may not be possible on the timeline you need.

Most standard jobs are completed within 3-5 business days. Complex restoration projects or large plating runs may take 1-2 weeks. We always provide estimated completion dates upfront when you get your quote. Small rush jobs might even be done in 1-2 days if our schedule allows. Larger production runs are typically 2-4 weeks depending on the scope.

It depends on the piece! Simple polishing starts around $75/hour. Chrome plating is typically $250/sq ft. We provide detailed quotes based on your specific pieces, considering factors like current condition, material type, desired finish, and quantity. Bring your parts in or send photos for a free estimate — no surprises, no hidden fees.

Yes! We offer free consultations and quotes for all projects. You can bring parts to our shop during business hours, or send us photos and descriptions via email or our contact form. We'll get back to you within 24 hours with an estimate. The consultation is free — you only pay when you approve the quote and we start the work.

Great question! In our industry, these terms are often used interchangeably, but there are technical differences. Buffing typically uses coarser compounds to remove material and smooth out imperfections, while polishing uses finer compounds to create that mirror-like finish. We use both techniques in sequence — buffing first to prepare the surface, then polishing to bring out the shine. Some clients specifically want just buffing to remove rust and oxidation, while others want full polishing to achieve a show-quality finish.

In most cases, yes! We can strip old chrome and re-plate parts as long as the underlying metal is in good condition. The process involves removing the old plating (usually through chemical stripping or sandblasting), preparing the base metal, and applying fresh copper, nickel, and chrome layers. However, if the base metal is heavily pitted, rusted, or damaged, we may recommend replacing the part or using a different finish. We'll give you honest assessment during your consultation.

We maintain ISO 9001 quality management standards and AS9100 certification for aerospace work. Our team includes certified platers with NADCAP experience. We can provide documentation and traceability for production runs as required. If you have specific certification requirements for your industry (aerospace, medical, automotive), let us know and we can discuss how we meet those standards.

For consultations and quotes, no appointment is necessary — just stop by during our business hours (Mon-Fri 8AM-5PM, Sat 9AM-2PM). However, if you're dropping off a large project or need extended consultation time, we recommend calling ahead so we can ensure we have someone available to give your project proper attention. You can reach us at (860) 953-5411.

We're located at 111 Vanderbilt Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06110. We're easy to find right off I-84, with ample parking for cars and trucks. If you're coming from out of town, give us a call and we can help with directions or suggest nearby restaurants while you wait.