Pens and Plating 101
Choosing the right plating...
With so many types of plating to choose from, deciding which is the right one for you can be difficult. To help make your decision making easy, a photograph and description of each plating type is listed below. Different types of plating offer different benefits. Be sure to review plating information thoroughly so that the plating you choose will be the right one for you.
Pen Components...
Each style of pen shares the same quality components regardless of the type of plating. In select cases where the nib or refill type varies depending on the type of kit selected, the product description will note the difference. From value priced 24k gold plating to Rhodium plating that sells for over $1,200.00 per ounce, you're sure to find a pen and plating combination that's right for you.
Wear Resistance Ratings: 
Each type of plating has a wear resistance rating that indicates the durability and longevity of the plating. A two star rating represents the majority of 24k value priced twist pens in the market place today. 24k pens are "flash" plated or in other words, the plating is extremely thin and in most cases is protected by a thin layer of epoxy. The 24k Gold plating is comparable to "economy" or "value priced" quality. A Five star rating indicates the plating thickness and durability is such that it will not wear off at any time for any reason. This grade of plating is typically used on "high-end" pens that may sell for hundreds of dollars.
Possibly nature's most brilliant and durable precious metal, Rhodium is used by the worlds premier pen manufacturers to plate their very finest pens. A member of the Platinum precious metals family, Rhodium sells for as much as $1,200.00 per troy ounce and is unmatched in brilliance and durability. We guarantee the Rhodium plating on our Platinum Series pens to last a lifetime.
Titanium plating is very popular for it's superior wear resistance, and known to be the most durable plating available. The process used in Titanium Plating is called PVD (particle vapor deposition). Titanium Nitrate matched to the color of gold is molecularly bonded to the part and then 24K Gold is bonded (sputtered) on the part to achieve a color match to our other gold parts. The parts are again re-plated after this. The final result is that the Titanium plated parts will virtually never show wear. Available in gold and black, we guarantee our Titanium plating to last a lifetime.
Satin Series pens undergo a special plating process that produces a matt-like finish that features a slight texture that looks and feels great. This popular plating offers a unique alternative to traditional plating and is guaranteed to provide years of enjoyment.
Black Chrome offers a unique alternative to traditional platings that works extremely well with lighter color woods. The soft sheen and depth of color make Black Chrome a favorite. Also available in Polished White Chrome. Guaranteed to last several times longer than the 24k Gold economy plating.
This popular plating blends hard nickel, cobalt or palladium and the beauty of gold together to form a brilliant plating that is durable and affordable. 10k and "upgrade" Gold is guaranteed to last several times longer than 24k and is our recommendation for those who want maximum durability for the least amount of money.
Gold plating is ultimately not durable when exposed to abrasion. Gold plating can be made more durable depending on the method used to plate, additives to the gold, and techniques employed. However, no matter what is done, all standard "gold" plating will wear off over time when abraded. This is simply a fact of physics. Platings other than gold can be very hard and durable.
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