OBTAINING A RESTORATION ESTIMATE: PROCESS AND GUIDELINES AT CHELSEA PLATING

Getting an accurate estimate for your antique restoration, ceramic repair, or metal refinishing project with Chelsea Plating is a tailored process. Each item has unique characteristics, so we recommend a visual inspection for the most precise quote. If you're seeking a preliminary estimate, you can send us photos and dimensions of your item via email. This helps us provide a ballpark figure for your restoration needs. If digital images aren't an option, feel free to call or write to us with details about your project. We're here to guide you through the process and help you understand the potential costs involved. For further assistance or to discuss your restoration project in more detail, please contact us directly.

IS MY ITEM WORTH RESTORING?

Determining whether your item is worth restoring involves considering its irreplaceability and potential value. Some items are unique, like a discontinued drawer handle or a chandelier that represents a bygone era's craftsmanship. In our modern world, where many items are disposable, restoring these pieces often adds more value than the cost of restoration. Sentimental value is another crucial factor. Family heirlooms like a gold-plated church chalice or a samovar from your ancestors carry immense personal value. In the case of antiques, professional restoration can significantly enhance their market value. For simple repairs, such as fixing a teapot foot, the cost is generally lower compared to the overall value of the set. At Chelsea Plating Company, we help you assess the worth and potential of each restoration project.

WILL RESTORATION DECREASE THE VALUE OF ANTIQUES?

​The belief that replating antiques reduces their value is largely a myth. At Chelsea Plating Company, our focus is on meticulous metal restoration, aimed at returning each item to its original glory. For instance, when we restore a 19th-century candelabra with missing silver, we replate it authentically, enhancing its appearance and value. This restoration can transform an item from a tarnished piece to a proud display on your dining table or a valuable addition to a showcase. However, there are exceptions where refinishing is not recommended, such as with genuine Sheffield Plate items or Tiffany-brand lampshades with original patina. In such cases, we provide guidance on the appropriate level of restoration, ensuring the item's value and integrity are preserved.

UNDERSTANDING PLATING: PROCESS AND DURABILITY

​Plating, a technique dating back to the 1820s, involves applying a metal layer onto a base metal using an electrochemical process. This method, particularly with silver plating, democratized the ownership of items that once only the wealthy could afford. At Chelsea Plating Company, we begin with a base metal like copper or brass, thoroughly polish it, and then submerge it in a bath containing the plating metal. We adhere to traditional methods, applying a thick layer of plating for a deep, authentic look. This meticulous process ensures the plating lasts for around twenty years, maintaining its beauty and integrity. Remember, items made of solid brass or sterling silver don't require plating but can be professionally cleaned and polished to restore their luster.

LACQUERING IN METAL RESTORATION: PURPOSE AND LONGEVITY

​Lacquering is a protective clear coating applied to refinished items, crucial for preserving the finish and preventing tarnish on brass, silver, and copper. It's particularly recommended for decorative items, lighting, and brass hardware, providing years of tarnish-free beauty. However, it's not suitable for items in contact with food, water, or live plants, and often impractical for certain silver objects. At Chelsea Plating Company, we assist our customers in making informed decisions about lacquering based on their specific needs. While lacquering offers many benefits, it's important to note that unlike our other services, we do not provide a warranty for lacquering.

PROJECT TIMELINE: UNDERSTANDING OUR RESTORATION PROCESS

​The timeframe for our restoration projects varies, primarily depending on our current workload and the complexity of your item. Our busiest period is around Thanksgiving and Christmas, so we recommend sending items early in the fall for timely completion. Large or intricate projects might require additional time due to our stringent quality standards. We're committed to excellence, so if a plating job doesn't meet our expectations, we'll redo it, which can extend the timeline. Generally, most restorations take between 4 to 8 weeks. We strive to accommodate special requests, so please inform us of any specific time constraints you have.

GUIDELINES FOR SHIPPING YOUR ITEMS TO CHELSEA PLATING

To ship your items to Chelsea Plating for restoration, send them to the address provided above. Please include your contact details (name, address, phone number, email) and a description of the items along with the restoration work needed. We recommend packing your items securely and using insured, trackable shipping methods. For convenience, you can also use a mail or packaging service. Upon receiving your items, we'll conduct an inspection and promptly provide an estimate. If you require immediate confirmation of receipt, kindly include a note requesting this in your shipment.

PAYMENT PROCEDURES FOR RESTORATION SERVICES

For restoration orders over $1,000 at Chelsea Plating Company, we require a half deposit to begin work. This deposit secures your place in our work queue. Upon completion of the restoration, the remaining balance must be settled before we ship your restored items back to you. We accept payments via checks, Visa, and Mastercard for your convenience. You can provide credit card details over the phone or through email. Our payment process ensures a smooth and efficient handling of your restoration project from start to finish.

PARKING AVAILABILITY AT CHELSEA PLATING COMPANY

​For those visiting our shop, the Philadelphia Parking Authority permits fifteen-minute parking right in front of our premises. Please ensure your hazard lights are on during this time. We advise against parking in front of the driveway across the street unless your vehicle is attended. This arrangement is in place to facilitate easy access to our shop for dropping off or picking up your restoration items.