geekinesis - Posted - 07/20/2012:  05:34:06

Hi
I have several nickel plated components. They are nickel plated but vary very slightly in colour. Some are almost chrome colour while other pieces have a slight cream tint. sometimes when photographing the colours are easier to distinguish.

Chrome seems to alwys be a bright colourless consistent finish while nickel varies.

Is this age?

wuzapicker - Posted - 07/20/2012:  06:08:41

I have noticed older (prewar) nickel plating tends to be a shade darker and sometimes more yellow than modern nickel plating. I've been told this is because of certain chemical brighteners used in modern plating techniques. It would make sense that different chemical processes may produce slightly different hues.

I know my personal chemistry affects modern nickel plating differently than older plating. New banjo's armrests are particularly affected and can turn very dark over time due to the reaction. Old nickel plated armrests are not so much affected. So, it must be some modern chemical in the plating mix that my system attacks.

HSmith - Posted - 07/20/2012:  07:23:58

Hi

The apparent differences in the 'colour' of nickel-plated components may be due to the way nickel reacts with the air, moisture and skin contact. Vintage Bentley car radiators are nickel-plated, and can look quite yellow. IMHO, the slight discolouration of nickel gives a more attractive look than the more harsh 'white' of chrome. Others may think differently.

banjobeat63 - Posted - 07/20/2012:  07:40:30

I think that nickel-plated parts from different manufacturers vary slightly in color! prewar also share this because of the manufacturing processes

The Old Timer - Posted - 07/20/2012:  11:53:25

To me, chrome plate on Mastertones always has a distinct BLUE tint to it.

Nickel does vary, but I often think that's patina.

uncle.fogey - Posted - 07/20/2012:  13:35:34

There are a number of variables.

(1) The purity of the nickel itself, which is not always consistent.

(2) I may be wrong on this, but I think if the part is copper plated first, THEN nickel plated, which is the most desirable method, the color may be a hair different.  Many chrome plated parts are done in 3 stages: copper-nickel-chromium

(3) The brass alloy used as the substrate may have a bearing on the final color if there's no copper interface.  Tailpieces, armrests, bracket bands, brackets, flanges, tension hoops and tone rings are often made from different brass alloys.

(4) Nickel, unlike chrome, DOES age and it takes on a very subtle patina, which can be quickly eliminated by a light buffing.

As an aside, nickel NEVER matches chrome - Nickel is warm and "silvery", while chrome is blue and cold. BUT 18-8 stainless steel and 18% nickel content nickel silver AKA German silver are both VERY good matches for nickel plating.