Brass Electroplating

Brass electroplating deposits a thin brass alloy layer on conductive parts for a warm-gold appearance, improved tarnish resistance, and controlled electrical properties.

Overview

Brass electroplating is an electrolytic coating process that deposits a thin copper‑zinc (brass) layer onto a conductive substrate, typically over a copper or nickel undercoat. Shops use it primarily for decorative color, mild corrosion/tarnish resistance, and to tune contact surface behavior (solderability/low contact resistance depending on stack and topcoat).

Choose brass plating when you need a consistent brass look on steel, zinc die cast, or copper alloys without making the whole part from brass, and when the part can tolerate a wet-chemistry process with masking and rack contact points. Typical thickness is in the low microns; it won’t hide machining marks or casting porosity, so base finish quality drives appearance.

Tradeoffs: corrosion protection is limited compared with nickel/chrome systems unless a clear topcoat is added; color can shift with thickness and alloy ratio; hydrogen embrittlement relief baking may be required for high-strength steels; and complex recesses can plate thin due to current distribution.

Common Materials

  • Low carbon steel
  • Stainless steel
  • Zinc die cast (Zamak)
  • Copper
  • Brass
  • Phosphor bronze

Tolerances

±0.0002" to ±0.001" (thickness-controlled)

Applications

  • Decorative hardware (handles, knobs, trim)
  • Nameplates and badges
  • Electrical connector shells and shields
  • Instrument and lighting bezels
  • Watch/jewelry components (costume)
  • Fasteners requiring brass appearance

When to Choose Brass Electroplating

Brass electroplating fits parts that need a brass appearance or a brass-like surface on a lower-cost substrate in low to medium volumes. It works best when you can control surface finish before plating and can accept rack marks/masking on non-cosmetic areas. Use it when a thin functional/decorative layer is sufficient and heavy wear isn’t the primary requirement.

vs Anodizing

Choose brass electroplating when the substrate is steel, copper alloys, or zinc die cast, or when you need a true brass color rather than dyed oxide colors. Brass plating also lets you build a plated stack (copper/nickel/brass/topcoat) to tune appearance and conductivity on non-aluminum parts.

vs Powder Coating

Choose brass electroplating when you need a metallic brass look without the edge rounding and thicker build typical of powder. Plating follows fine detail and preserves crisp threads and small features better than most powders, but it won’t cover surface defects.

vs E-Coating

Choose brass electroplating when appearance and surface electrical behavior matter more than uniform corrosion coating in hidden cavities. E-coat gives very uniform coverage on complex shapes, while brass plating is more current-density sensitive and primarily used for decorative/functional metal surfaces.

vs Nickel Electroplating

Choose brass electroplating when the target is a warm brass/gold appearance and you don’t need nickel’s higher hardness and corrosion performance. Brass is typically softer and more color-driven; nickel is the better choice for wear surfaces unless brass is topcoated and wear demands are modest.

vs Chromium Electroplating

Choose brass electroplating when you need a brass aesthetic or a softer, more formable surface and you can accept lower wear/corrosion performance. Chrome is the pick for high-wear, bright silver finishes; brass is mainly decorative unless protected by a clear topcoat.

Design Considerations

  • Specify which surfaces are cosmetic vs non-cosmetic so rack contact points and mask lines can be placed intentionally
  • Call out plating thickness (and any min thickness on functional areas) and define where thickness is measured
  • Set base material and pre-plate finish requirements (Ra, polishing direction) because plating won’t hide scratches or porosity
  • Avoid deep blind holes, sharp inside corners, and tight recesses where brass will plate thin; add radii and access where possible
  • Plan for post-plate protection if handling or wear is expected (clear lacquer/e-coat topcoat) and specify color/finish acceptance criteria
  • If plating high-strength steel, specify hydrogen embrittlement relief bake requirements and timing after plating