Friedman
Silversmiths
since 1972
All Metal Restorations | Plating | Polishing | Soldering | Straightening
Sterling Silver, Silver Plate, Britannia Metal, Sheffield Plate, Pewter, Brass, Bronze

Friedman Silversmiths  1323 Euclid Ave., Bellingham, WA  98229
Toll Free (877) 255-0193  E-mail:  DaveFriedman4Repair@gmail.com

GENERAL PLATING QUESTIONS

Do we do silver plating?
Yes.

Do we do gold plating?
Yes.

How much silver is put on each piece?
The amount of silver deposited is determined by 2-factors:  the amount of 'current'                   
(electricity)  put through the item while in the plating bath, but more important is the
duration (time) the item is in the plating bath.  Friedman Silversmiths plates giving a very heavy
deposit of silver which provides for many years of durability.  We only provide HEAVY plating
which is the benefit of 'non-factory' type work.  Each item is handled individually.

Do you guarantee your work?
Yes.  Upon receipt of your repairs, you must be satisfied.  A Friedman Silversmith plating         
job, given good care and under 'normal conditions' is guaranteed for 25-years.

Do you 'Nickel Plate' prior to your silver plating (pre-plating)?
No.  Bright nickel plating prior to silver plating on antiques is a 'short cut' and should not be
done.  Some shops use nickel pre-plating instead of  performing the proper      
polishing and preparation on your piece.

Is replating expensive?
"Quality" replating is not inexpensive, but it is a good value.  Remember, "silver is
the same as money".  Also, there is no automation in our repairing and replating
process.  Every operation is done BY HAND and by the time your item is ready for                  
plating, it has been repaired and beautifully polished to a 'jewel finish'.  Then,
it is plated and final polished and cleaned.  Items are not simply 'dipped' and
come out looking restored.  Careful replating is a very skilled and labor inten-
siver process which involves the skill of an experienced professional.

Does my piece have to look so "shiny" after silver plating?
Yes and No.  We will 'oxidize' your antique to accentuate the engraving,
patterns, designs, etc.  We do not charge extra for this antiquing process
(some shops do charge).  This is called our "Antique Finish".  Your restored
piece will have a nice 'luster'.  It will 'soften' and looker 'warmer' over time
as it will with occasional hand polishing.

Do we have a price list?
We have a price list/guide  for estimating.  This is for use at our counter
only or for over the phone or e-mail estimates.  Final quotes are given after
inspection; we do not proceed without your approval.

Do you plate items that are not antique?
Yes.  We process many non-antique items, lamp parts, musical instrument parts, badges/pins,
etc.

(Back to FAQ)
Pair Victorian Goblets restored by
Friedman Silversmiths