Plating Choices

One of the decisions you make when deciding on a pen is what kind of plating will be used on the metal components of the pen.  These range from 24kt gold to platinum and everything in between.  Not all pen styles can be made with every kind of plating available.  Some of the slimline styles can be made in most types of plating, while some top of the line fountain pens may be available in only 1 or 2 choices, such as Titanium Gold or Sterling Silver.

Listed below are plating choices I have used and their characteristics.  When making my pens, I match up the plating with the barrel material that will have the best combination of durability and eye appeal.

24kt Gold

This is the most common type of plating.  It is coated with an epoxy finish to preserve the surface of the plating and to give it that shiny look.  Looks great with many colors of acrylics and woods that have lots of figuring.

Brushed Satin

This plating has an elegant low luster white look.  It is very durable and compliments many different wood species and most acrylics.

Black Enamel

This attractive low luster coating is made from a baked black enamel.  It is very durable and goes well with many lighter colored woods and acrylics.

Chrome

Chrome plating is very durable and gives the pen a shiny metallic appearance.  It pairs well with almost all kinds of wood and acrylics.

Rhodium/Platinum

Rhodium is from the platinum chemical group.  It is very durable, will not tarnish, and resists scratching and acid staining.  This plating is somewhat more expensive than those above.

Titanium Nitride (T/N) Gold

This plating looks just like 24kt Gold, but will last forever.  It will not tarnish and will outlast other platings.  It can be identified by the TN insignia on the clip of the pen.

Black Titanium Nitride (T/N)

This plating has the appearance of gun metal and is as permanent and durable as the Gold T/N plating.  It is also stamped with the TN logo on the clip.

Sterling Silver

As the name implies, this is one of the most expensive platings available.  This plating is reserved for our most elegant and expensive pens.