No, as a rule the electroplating process does not hide surface imperfections. In fact, due to the diffusive reflection of incidental light rays, pre-existing cosmetic imperfections are even more noticeable on a brightly plated surface! For best results the item should be polished to the desired level of brightness prior to rhodium plating.

The plating thickness for decorative rhodium platings used by jewelry manufacturer can range from .05 microns to 1.5 microns. For most decorative applications, a thickness from .10 microns to .50 microns are utilized for maintaining long term "brightness". Industrial platings for specialized applications may utilize thicknesses up to 5.0 microns. However, rhodium finishes above 2.

After the part has been base coated the piece cannot be touched, sanded or polished prior to the process because the plated surface will show up any sanding or swirl marks. As the years progress, the parts become less likely to be able to handle the requirements of the process we use. In our cleaning process, the temperatures required to strip a part may enlarge an already existing crack or bring out ones that may not have been visible prior to stripping.

Over time the cooking surface will become "worn" and get tiny scratches from regular use. Many people like that and refer to it as "patina". Should it get to much for your taste, just have the surface "buffed up" by a professional.

Yes... Rhodium is a thin coating placed on silver, white gold, and platinum jewelry to give it a high polish finish. Dust and contaminants in the environment interact with body oils, lotions, etc to form an abrasive mixture that begins to wear away at rhodium and plated jewelry. Removing these contaminants can significantly extend rhodium life.

We certainly do! All basic touch-ups are completed free of charge, however severe damage may require photo restoration, which may incur extra charges (with your approval). Rest assured that we never print anything that we wouldn't proudly display on our own walls.

Rhodium is a member of the platinum metals group; the other members include platinum, palladium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium.

Markings such as scars, insect bites, wrinkles, veining are natural characteristics of genuine leather. If you purchased leather that has been protected and finished to create a consistent, uniform look and feel- then you will see fewer marks. However, natural leather will show more natural markings, such as insect bites, scars and stretch marks, as well as color variations.

Temporary blemishes need not be an embarrassment on finished portraits. Students don’t want a temporary blemish permanently displayed on their portrait. This service will soften harsh blemishes before printing. The result is a portrait far superior and much more satisfying to students and parents.

This is the same concept as asking the telephone company to make your number unlisted, so that it doesn't appear in a phone book. You can tell the list server to not list your e-mail address when other subscribers request a list of all of the subscribers. NOTE: as of 1998, as an anti-spamming precaution, only the list owners may request a list of subscribers from the list server.

Unfortunately no. For the most part all electroplating processes will make any surface imperfection in the metal item even more noticeable! For best results, all objects will need to be polished and cleaned prior to replating. We can provide that additional service if your item requires it.

We sometimes run into this problem when clients are using a tight-fitting disc sleeve with a clear window. When the disc is printed, the inkjet, thermal or screened to surface bonds to the clear sleeve window. This problem can be aggravated by extreme temperatures during shipping. When shipping a disc by Mail, UPS and Fedex, it’s a good idea to avoid using sleeves with vinyl windows. A jewel case or C-Shell style “Clam Shell” case is safer to use.

Re-plating is renewing the surface of your item with the appropriate metal, silver, gold, pewter, brass, through an electromagnetic process.

There are many problems associated with tin plating. One of which is whiskering, like cadmium and zinc, thin needle-like crystals known as "whiskers" form within a period after plating that may vary from a few weeks to several years. A whisker may measure up to .0001" (2.5um) in diameter, and grow spontaneously to a length of 0.375" (10 mm). Conditions that tend to promote the growth of whiskers are compressive stresses and uniform temperatures for long periods of time.

Regarding plating: Plating is not only cosmetic but it protects you from the very slight chance of brass poisoning. Our metal JodyJazz mouthpieces are made from a solid bar of brass. Then there are three layers of plating starting with Copper then Silver or Nickel and then the Gold. We use heavy Gold in 24kts. Over the long run the top layer of Gold can start to wear off. You are still protected from brass poisoning by the other two layers, which will not wear off.