Inside Hastings Electroplating & Metal Finishing
When it comes to electroplating and metal finishing, precision and quality are non-negotiable. Whether you’re in the aerospace, automotive, electronics, or engineering sector, you need surface treatments that not only look great but also perform under pressure. That’s where Hastings Metal Finishers comes in.
Located in Hebburn, near Newcastle, Hastings Metal Finishers has become a trusted name across the North East for its reliable, high-quality metal plating and surface treatment services. With over 40 years of industry experience, Hastings has built a strong reputation for craftsmanship, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at what makes Hastings Metal Finishers a standout in the field—and why they should be your first call for all things electroplating.
A Legacy of Excellence Since 1983
Founded in 1983 and still proudly family-run, Hastings Metal Finishers is led by Managing Director Paul Hastings—a Graduate Chemist with more than three decades of hands-on experience. Under Paul’s leadership, the company has grown from a small plating shop to a comprehensive surface treatment provider serving hundreds of clients across various sectors.
Their dedication to quality and continuous improvement is backed by ISO 9001:2015 certification, giving clients peace of mind that every job is completed to the highest standards.
Comprehensive Electroplating & Surface Finishing Services
At Hastings Metal Finishers, it’s not just about coating metals—it’s about enhancing performance, prolonging lifespan, and achieving superior aesthetic finishes. Their service range is both extensive and customizable, tailored to meet the precise needs of each client and application.
Silver Plating
Silver plating offers unmatched electrical conductivity, making it a go-to choice in the electronics and aerospace industries. It also prevents galling in mechanical parts under high pressure, making it ideal for components like bearings and compressor blades.
Whether it’s a microswitch contact or a 250kg industrial casting, Hastings excels in applying even, high-quality silver coatings—with intricate masking work where required.
Electroless Nickel Plating
Electroless nickel plating is ideal when a uniform layer is essential—even on complex geometries or internal surfaces. Unlike traditional electroplating, this chemical process offers consistent thickness without the need for an electrical current.
Key benefits include superior corrosion resistance, increased hardness, and excellent lubricity. It’s no wonder industries such as automotive, aerospace, and chemical processing regularly rely on this technique.
Nickel Plating
Bright nickel plating provides a reflective finish while increasing corrosion resistance. It is commonly used both decoratively and functionally—often as a base layer before silver or gold plating.
Thanks to its magnetic properties and durability, nickel is also suited for components that demand both resilience and a polished look.
Tin Plating
Lightweight, non-toxic, and highly solderable—tin plating is essential in the electronics and food industries. Hastings offers a super-bright finish that resists corrosion and tarnish, ideal for printed circuits, wiring terminals, and kitchen appliances.
Because of its excellent compatibility with other materials, tin plating remains a popular choice across multiple sectors.
Zinc Plating
Zinc is the unsung hero of corrosion protection. This cost-effective coating offers sacrificial protection, meaning it corrodes before the base metal underneath does—extending the life of steel and iron components.
Used extensively in automotive parts, structural fasteners, and sheet metal fabrication, zinc plating is a simple yet effective solution for fighting rust.
Copper Plating
Copper plating provides excellent electrical conductivity and is often used as a base layer for other plating processes. Its smooth, ductile finish makes it ideal for decorative items as well as industrial applications like case hardening.
With its superior leveling and coverage properties, copper continues to play a vital role in precision engineering.
Surface Treatments Beyond Electroplating
Great plating starts with proper preparation—and Hastings Metal Finishers offers a variety of complementary cleaning and surface treatments to ensure optimal results.
Vapour Degreasing
This pre-plating process uses solvent vapour to remove contaminants like grease and oil from machined components. It’s an essential first step to ensure flawless adhesion and finish. Hastings also provides this as a standalone cleaning service for clients with non-plating needs.
Bright Acid Dipping
Used primarily on copper and its alloys, this treatment enhances appearance by producing a high-shine, mirror-like finish. It’s often a prelude to further plating but can also be used to brighten up decorative items.
Acid Pickling
This method involves immersing steel parts in acid to strip away rust and scale. After cleaning, a light oil coating can be applied to prevent further oxidation, keeping parts in top condition until they’re ready for use or additional processing.
Vibratory Polishing
Perfect for small components, vibratory polishing uses ceramic media and detergents to smooth and shine surfaces. This process not only improves aesthetics but also enhances part performance by reducing friction and wear.
Serving a Broad Range of Industries
With over 200 clients on the books, Hastings Metal Finishers serves a wide variety of industries, including:
Precision & General Engineering: Delivering finishes that meet tight tolerances and functional demands.
Metal Fabrication: Providing corrosion-resistant coatings for structural components and assemblies.
Electrical & Electronic Engineering: Enhancing conductivity, solderability, and longevity of sensitive parts.
From single-part prototyping to high-volume production, Hastings handles jobs of all sizes and complexities. Every project receives the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Why Choose Hastings?
Here’s what sets Hastings Metal Finishers apart:
✅ Decades of Expertise: Over 40 years in the business means tried-and-tested methods, continuous innovation, and a deep understanding of materials science.
✅ Certified Quality: ISO 9001:2015 accreditation guarantees a consistent, reliable process for every client.
✅ Full-Service Facility: From degreasing to final plating, everything is handled in-house for maximum quality control.
✅ Customer-Centric Approach: With a team of experienced professionals on hand, you’ll get expert advice, fast turnaround times, and tailored solutions.
Let’s Work Together
Whether you’re an engineer seeking precision finishing, a manufacturer in need of large-volume plating, or simply someone exploring options for surface treatment — Hastings Metal Finishers has you covered.
Discover the Hastings difference — where craftsmanship, chemistry, and customer service meet to deliver the best in metal finishing. Call now for a free quote: 0191 483 9213.