Stainless steel surface finishing continues to evolve as designers, architects, and manufacturers seek higher stability, better color consistency, and enhanced durability. Among the many finishing technologies, Water Plating and PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) are the two most commonly used processes for stainless steel decorative sheets.

Although both add color to stainless steel, their techniques, performance, and suitable color ranges are very different. This article explains the key differences and helps you choose the right finish based on project requirements.
Water plating is a chemical wet-plating process where metal ions are deposited onto the stainless steel surface through an electrolyte solution. It is commonly used for decorative metallic effects at a lower cost.
Water plating has very limited color options due to the chemical stability of the process.
At Ferosteel, water plating is only suitable for two colors:
For these reasons, Ferosteel does not recommend water plating for any color other than copper and black titanium. These are the only two colors with acceptable adhesion and durability under this process.

PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) is a vacuum ion plating process that creates a dense, durable, and uniform color coating on stainless steel. It is widely used in high-end architectural decoration, elevators, walls, ceilings, and furniture.
PVD supports a full range of stable and durable colors, including:
PVD colors are stable, scratch-resistant, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Color Range
Water Plating: Only Copper & Black Titanium
PVD Coating: Wide color options with high stability
Durability
Water Plating: Lower, may fade
PVD Coating: High scratch and fade resistance
Surface Quality
Water Plating: Color uniformity is difficult
PVD Coating: Premium and consistent
Outdoor Performance
Water Plating: Not recommended
PVD Coating: Excellent
Choose Water Plating only when you specifically need Copper or Black Titanium, and cost is a major consideration.
Choose PVD Coating for all other colors or when the project requires premium quality, long-lasting durability, and color uniformity.
For architectural interiors, ceilings, wall panels, and luxury decoration projects, Ferosteel strongly recommends using PVD-coated stainless steel sheets. The stability, uniformity, and durability of PVD far exceed water plating, ensuring premium results for commercial and high-end applications.

1. Why can’t water plating produce gold or rose gold?
Because the chemical process cannot maintain stable ion deposition for these tones; the surface fades quickly and becomes uneven.
2. Is PVD suitable for outdoor projects?
Yes. PVD provides excellent resistance to UV, corrosion, and weather conditions.
3. Why do most designers prefer PVD over water plating?
Because PVD offers better scratch resistance, better color consistency, and significantly better long-term durability.
4. Can Ferosteel customize PVD colors?
Yes. Ferosteel can adjust PVD colors based on samples or specific design requirements
Office address: 26 Floor, Shibo Financial Center, Fenjiang South Road No.38, Chancheng, Foshan, GuangDong, China
Phone
: +86 -18024913898
البريد الإلكتروني
: [email protected]
IPv6 دعم الشبكة
اترك رسالة