At Abel Metal Processing in Cleveland, we see parts in every condition—raw castings with pits, machined components with tool marks, and stainless pieces that need a cleaner, brighter, more corrosion-resistant surface. No matter the finish—bright nickel, decorative chrome, or electropolish—the result will only be as good as the metal underneath.

What Electropolishing Actually Does

Stainless steel parts before electropolishing showing dull surface and micro-texture
Before electropolish: surface shows natural mill texture and micro-roughness typical of raw stainless components.
Stainless steel parts after electropolishing with brighter, smoother, corrosion-resistant surface
After electropolish: electrochemical smoothing removes microscopic peaks for a cleaner, brighter, more corrosion-resistant finish.

Electropolishing is different from mechanical polishing. Instead of rubbing or smearing the surface, the process removes a controlled microscopic layer of material. This levels tiny peaks, improves cleanability, and increases corrosion resistance—especially valuable for stainless components used in industrial, food, and medical environments.

Plating Only Looks as Good as the Surface Beneath It

Abel Metal technician hand polishing stainless components on Burr King machine prior to plating in Cleveland
Skilled hand polishing at Abel Metal prepares intricate parts for bright nickel, chrome, or electropolish.

Many of the parts we receive can’t go straight into a tank. Cast brass elbows, fittings, and decorative hardware often have porosity or scratches that would show through any plated coating. That’s why we still rely on skilled hand polishing and grinding before parts ever reach nickel or chrome. Real craftsmanship is what turns a rough component into a premium finish.

Rack Plating for Consistent Quality

Because we are a rack plating shop, each part is individually fixtured rather than tumbled in bulk. This gives us better control over coverage and appearance—critical for cosmetic applications where customers expect a uniform, bright finish. We specialize in the jobs that are too small or too complex for high-volume production houses.

Our Most Requested Services

  • Bright (electrolytic) nickel plating – durable decorative finish
  • Bright trivalent chrome plating – modern, high-appearance chrome
  • Electroless nickel plating – uniform functional coating
  • Electropolish for stainless steel – smoother, cleaner, corrosion-resistant surface
  • Passivation – basket-processed stainless treatment
  • Hand polishing & grinding – removing pits and imperfections before finishing

From Raw to Finished

bright trivalent chrome plated parts with mirror decorative finish from rack plating

Every day we work with elbows, bushings, tubing, fasteners, and custom fabrications. Some need a mirror decorative look, others simply need durability and protection. We help customers choose the process that actually fits the part instead of forcing every job into the same solution.

Small Batches Welcome

Large plating houses focus on massive production runs. We focus on practical, real-world work for machine shops, restoration businesses, maintenance departments, and local manufacturers.

  • $150 minimum
  • Typical turnaround: 3–7 business days
  • No complicated certifications or red tape—just honest recommendations.

Not Sure What Your Part Needs?

Send us a photo or bring it by the shop and we’ll tell you whether polishing, electropolish, nickel, or chrome is the right path—no sales pitch, just experience.

Abel Metal Processing – Cleveland, Ohio
216-881-4156
www.abelmetal.com

Quality finishes. Real people. No unnecessary complications.

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