Plastic plating, also known as plastic electroplating or metallization, is a process in which a thin layer of metal is deposited onto the surface of a plastic substrate. This process is used to enhance the appearance, improve the surface properties, and provide additional functionality to plastic parts.

The plastic plating process typically involves the following steps:

1. Surface preparation: The plastic substrate is cleaned and treated to remove any contaminants, oils, or residues that could interfere with adhesion. This may involve washing, degreasing, and chemical etching.
2. Activation: In order to promote adhesion between the plastic surface and the metal coating, the substrate is typically treated with a chemical activation process. This may involve the use of specialized primers or adhesion promoters.
3. Electroless plating: In some cases, the plastic substrate is first coated with a thin layer of metal through an electroless plating process. This involves the deposition of metal ions onto the surface of the plastic through a chemical reaction, without the need for an electrical current.
4. Electroplating: The plastic substrate is then placed into an electrolyte solution containing metal ions, and an electrical current is applied. This causes the metal ions to be attracted to the surface of the plastic and deposited as a thin layer of metal. Common metals used for electroplating plastic include chromium, nickel, copper, and gold.
5. Post-treatment: After plating, the metal-coated plastic part may undergo additional finishing processes, such as polishing, buffing, or lacquering, to improve the surface finish and appearance.

Plastic plating is commonly used in a variety of industries, including automotive, electronics, consumer goods, and aerospace. It can be used to achieve a wide range of aesthetic effects, such as high-gloss or matte finishes, as well as functional properties, such as improved conductivity, corrosion resistance, or electromagnetic shielding.