Both produce a gold surface. They are completely different technologies with different economics, lifespans and correct applications. Here is where each one wins.
| Criteria | Gold PVD (TiN) | Gold Electroplating |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Vacuum plasma deposition | Chemical / electrolytic bath |
| Bond | Atomic — part of the surface | Mechanical layer on top |
| Hardness | 2,000 – 2,500 HV | ~200 HV |
| Typical thickness | 0.3 – 5 microns | 0.1 – 3 microns |
| Scratch resistance | Excellent | Poor |
| Tarnish / oxidation | None — chemically inert | Yes, especially with sweat & cleaners |
| Indoor lifespan | 10+ years | 1 – 3 years |
| Colour range | 12+ shades incl. black, rose, bronze | Gold tones only |
| Environmental | Clean, no effluent | Cyanide / acid waste |
| Cost driver | Batch size & area | International gold price |
| Best for | Furniture, cladding, hardware, hospitality | Jewellery, artefacts, gold-content specs |
PVD, by a wide margin. Indoors, gold PVD holds its colour for 10+ years while electroplated gold typically dulls within 1–3 years of regular handling.
Yes, in specific cases: jewellery, religious artefacts, presentation items and any specification that requires genuine gold deposition and hallmark value. For furniture and architecture, PVD is technically superior.
Yes. We strip the old plating, re-polish the base metal and apply PVD. This is one of our most common jobs — halls bringing back chairs that have gone patchy.
Send us the item and its intended use. We will tell you honestly which process suits it — including when plating is the better answer.