Electroplating

Electroplating is a wet chemical process. The part is immersed in a solution containing metal ions, and an electric current deposits a metal layer onto the surface. It builds a thicker layer than PVD, which can fill small surface irregularities, but that thicker plated layer can also chip or peel if it takes a sharp impact.

PVD (physical vapor deposition)

PVD is a vacuum-chamber process. The coating material is vaporized and condenses onto the part, bonding at the molecular level. The result is an extremely wear-resistant metallic finish, and PVD is the go-to method for metallic and gradient effects that must survive heavy use. The main downside is cost — PVD equipment and cycle time are more expensive, so it raises unit price.

Choosing between them

From a sourcing standpoint, the decision is usually driven by the product tier and the expected use. A budget bottle can wear a plated finish acceptably if it is handled gently, while a premium bottle that buyers expect to survive years of daily use generally justifies PVD.

Surface preparation matters for both methods. Plating and PVD reveal every defect in the metal underneath, so the steel is normally polished or blasted first. A rough base means an uneven metallic finish, so a supplier that skips prep will show it in the final sample. The underlying metal is typically ~304 or ~316 stainless, and either finish should be checked against your own wear and salt-spray testing before approval.

Practical takeaway: Budget PVD for high-end metallic finishes that must resist wear, and use electroplating only where a lower-cost metallic look is acceptable and chipping risk is low.