Multiplicity...

One aspect of metal plating that escapes most customers is the fact that we can plate anything large or small.  So if you don't have a big project, but a lot of small ones - anything from fixtures,  keys,  medals, emblems,  statues - you name it, we've done it.

Here's one of our more recent projects, gold plating lions... lots and lots of lions.

If you'd like your next multiple metal project to roar, then give us a call here at Stutzman Plating.  We've been here in Los Angeles since 1950, and we're still going strong!

The History of Tinsel

Precious metals - gold, silver, chrome, copper - have always figured prominently in our Christmas celebrations around the world.  From ornaments, decorations, tableware, and Christmas gifts, precious metals and metal plating have become a part of the "look" of Christmas.  But nothing says "Christmas" like a tree decorated with those silvery or gold strands of tinsel.

Where did tinsel come from?  Who came up with the idea of decorating our Christmas trees with strands designed to mimic the glowing effect of icicles? To trace the origins of tinsel we have to go all the way back 400+ years to Europe in the 1600's.

Tinsel was invented in Nuremberg, Germany around 1610. Tinsel was originally made from extruded strands of silver. Because silver tarnishes quickly, other shiny metals were substituted. Before the 16th century, tinsel was used for adorning sculptures rather than Christmas trees. It was added to Christmas trees to enhance the flickering of the candles on the tree. Some say tinsel was used to represent the starry sky over a Nativity scene, but the main thought has always been that it was to mimic snow and ice-covered trees that reflected moonlight or fire.

By the early 20th century, manufacturing advances allowed cheap aluminum-based tinsel, and until World War I, France was the world leader in its manufacture. Production was curtailed during the First World War as a result of wartime demand for copper.

During the 1950s, tinsel and tinsel garlands were so popular that they frequently were used more than Christmas lights, as tinsel was much less of a fire hazard than lights were for the then-popular aluminum Christmas trees, which were made from flammable aluminized paper.

Lead foil was a popular material for tinsel manufacture for several decades of the 20th century. Unlike silver, lead tinsel did not tarnish, so it retained its shine. However, use of lead tinsel was phased out after the 1960s due to concern that it exposed children to a risk of lead poisoning.  In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded in August 1971 that lead tinsel caused an unnecessary risk to children, and convinced manufacturers and importers to voluntarily stop producing or importing lead tinsel after January 1, 1972. The FDA did not actually ban the product because the agency did not have the evidence needed to declare lead tinsel a "health hazard."

Today, tinsel is made from plastic and comes in many colors, ropes, or strands, but it still reflects the original thought of tinsel's inventors -  using the shiny precious metal to enhance the look of the Christmas tree.



If you would like to enhance the look of something precious to you, please give us a call to consult on how we can use our metal plating processes and custom finishes to best effect.  The number to call is: (323) 732-9147. 

For All Your Metal Plating Needs - Stutzman Plating!

 Since 1950... for all your metal plating needs here in Los Angeles.

Stutzman Plating Chrome Plates a Mercedes Benz Engine Block for Los Angeles Art Gallery

We just finished a polished chrome plating project for this Mercedes Benz engine block. It will be on display in an art gallery here in LosAngeles.

If you have any unusual Chrome Plating  - or any kind of metal plating - then give Stutzman Plating a call.  We've been here in Los Angeles since 1950. 

Metal Plating Makes The Difference!

People ask us, "what can you do for our project?"

Our answer is always,  "we can make the difference."

The difference in how your project is perceived...

The difference in how and where your project is used...

The difference in how much you can charge for it...

Call us today, and let's discuss how Stutzman Plating can make the difference in your business.

Unusual Metal Plating

We here at Stutzman Plating are your experts in metal plating in Los Angeles. We've plated it all -  art, furniture, fixtures, signage,  jewelry (like The Giving Keys), and hardware (automotive or otherwise). We work in gold, nickel, chrome,  brass - you name it and we do it.  Just check out our most popular metal plating finishes here.

But occasionally we run across items on the web that we get a good laugh at, and have to share with our clients like you.  It just goes to show you - you can metal plate anything.  

A Delorean motor car, plated in gold over its stainless steel body.

 A nickel-plated brass POCKET SPITOON (yes, you read that right - it's portable!)

 A STAR WARS Imperial Stormtrooper helmet plated in chrome.

 A chrome plated mercedes benz sports car...

And of course, every rapper's dream - a gold plated grill.

HAVE AN UNUSUAL OBJECT TO BE METAL PLATED? 

GIVE US A CALL AT (323) 732-9147.  WE HAVE THE EXPERIENCE AND THE CREATIVITY TO PLATE ANYTHING. 

Multiples or Singles - Stutzman Plating Does it All For Its Metal Plating Clients.

Any company (or person for that matter) can metal plate ONE object for you. Stutzman Plating  can also plate MULTIPLE products for you. 

You get the best of both worlds - an artisan crafts shop that delivers the finest in customer service -  AND --

 - a manufacturing partner that can give your metal product the right look and texture to make it fly off the shelves... all on your schedule. 
We work with clients big and small. 

You can visit our website and see all of the services we have to offer you in singles and multiples.  

From your #1 custom metal plating company here in Los Angeles,


Stutzman Plating
Where the finish is first.