Polishing and Chroming, explained

Hardware is often the first thing to show a bag’s age. Clasps go dull, chains darken, and the plating on zip pullers and logos wears through where fingers touch them most. We offer two treatments for metal parts, and the difference between Polishing and bag hardware chroming is how deep the wear goes.

Polishing: bringing the shine back

Polishing brings the shine back to metal hardware such as clasps, chains and locks. It suits hardware that has gone cloudy, picked up fine scratches or lost its lustre, but where the finish itself is still intact.

Polishing starts from Rp250.000 and usually takes 1–2 working days.

Bag hardware chroming: a new finish

When the plating has rubbed away, polishing alone cannot bring it back, because the colour you are missing is no longer there. Chroming gives the metal a 24K chrome finish. The hardware is polished first, then finished, so Polishing is always the first step of a Chroming job.

Chroming starts from Rp500.000 and usually takes 2–4 working days.

How to tell which one you need

Look at the hardware in good light, especially the edges and the parts you touch most.

• Polishing is likely enough if the colour is even all over but the surface looks hazy, smudged or lightly scratched.
• Chroming is likely needed if you can see a different-coloured metal showing through, patches where the gold or silver has gone, or plating that is flaking.

Looking after hardware between treatments

• Wipe hardware with a soft dry cloth after use to remove hand oils.
• Keep perfume, hand cream and sanitiser away from metal parts.
• Store bags in a dust bag so chains and clasps do not scratch against each other.
• Use a Chain Wrap so chain straps do not mark the leather.

If you are unsure, send a close-up of the hardware through our free consultation. We will tell you whether it needs Polishing or bag hardware chroming and send an estimate on WhatsApp. Final prices are confirmed at inspection, before any work starts.