Electroplated vs PVD Coated Sinks and Taps
Gone are the days of having just plain and basic kitchen sinks and taps options. The kitchen industry in United Kingdom has evolved to offer a plethora of kitchen sinks and taps available in a variety of professional quality finishes and Clearwater, have rightly proved to be a leading brand in this field.
There are many ways used by the industry for coating the kitchen fittings such as the traditionally ongoing Electroplating process and PVD, which is gaining huge popularity in the UK. Selecting the best type can be a little daunting and that’s why you should keep scrolling to pick the best sink and tap for your kitchen.
What is Electroplating?
Invented in 1805, Electroplating is a process of plating a film of metal onto a tap by harnessing electrical energy. The surface that is electroplated becomes corrosion resistant, making it more durable than a surface which is untreated.
The surface which is to be electroplated, is placed in a tank which contains the solution of the material to be deposited on the part. Then, the anode (positive electrode) of the supply is connected to the material that has to be deposited and the cathode (negative electrode) is fixed to the tap that needs to be electroplated. When the power is supplied, the negative ions of the tap attract the positively charged ions of the material that needs to be deposited from the tank solution.
(Life Mantra: Always attract positivity and stay happy)
Electroplating lends adhesion strength and electrical conductivity (depending on the metal used) to the surface. Sure, it can offer thicker coatings to the surface as compared to PVD, but it doesn’t make it stronger than a PVD surface. Being a low energy electrochemical process and relatively cheaper to setup is what makes it the most common finishing practice in the industry.
So what’s the problem in using Electroplating is you would ask? The main drawback of electroplating is that it causes a lot of pollution. The process can lead to hazardous waste products which, if not disposed properly and with care, can have a serious impact on the environment. Electroplated taps also demand one to be careful while cleaning the surface, refraining from using harsh chemical cleaners.
Being in world where being environmentally conscious is the need of the hour, it is important to look at other processes such as PVD. (Also in line with the UK Government's aim for Sustainable Households)
What is PVD?
PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition) is a more recent and innovative approach to give a decorative finish to the kitchen sinks and taps as well as making them more durable.
PVD coating is a vacuum deposition process which has garnered a lot of popularity in recent times. The surface which needs to be PVD coated is placed in a fixture in a vacuum vessel where a solid material is vaporised and deposited on the surface in the form of a single atom or molecule. PVD coating helps to achieve more uniform deposit while also having a wider range of choices of materials to be deposited.
PVD is slowly becoming the favourite process in the industry to provide wear resistance and becoming the favourable choice in the British kitchen industry.
We supply Clearwater kitchen sinks and taps which are PVD coated available in brass, copper, black and brushed chrome finishes.
What are the benefits of choosing PVD sinks and taps?
- Superior wear resistance
- Superior corrosion resistance
- Environment friendly as no harmful chemicals are generated in the process which also leads to minimal chemical disposal costs
- Durable and long lasting
- Six times better film adhesion than electroplating and three times more resistant to corrosion
- Easier to clean and maintain
- Luxurious finish that will suit all kinds of kitchen designs
- Uniform coating
- Will not chip, tarnish or fade
Explore The Expansive Range of Clearwater PVD Kitchen Sinks and Taps
New age fittings bring forth a unique sense of luxury with the power to transform any type of kitchen space. The trendy Clearwater PVD coated sinks and taps are an ideal combination for your kitchen.
Clearwater range of kitchen sinks and taps are PVD coated for high durability and an attractive finish. The fittings are long-lasting and low maintenance. Unparalleled in quality, the Clearwater sinks and taps are available in various distinct finishes: artisan brass, brushed copper, brushed bronze, matte black, brushed nickel, brushed chrome and so on.
So, now you know the difference between an electroplated kitchen surface and a PVD coated kitchen surface. If you are planning to renovate or style your kitchen, be sure to check out the Clearwater range of Kitchen Sink and Taps and embrace luxury in your homes.
