What does nickelling mean?
Nickelling is the process of coating the surface of one metal with a thin layer of another metal, nickel. It is commonly performed by electroplating, in which a controlled electrical current deposits nickel onto the prepared object. The treatment can provide a bright or decorative surface while improving resistance to corrosion, scratching, and wear. It is used on items such as steel rails, tools, hardware, vehicle components, and decorative fittings. Historically, nickelling helped make relatively inexpensive materials resemble more valuable silver or chrome-plated products. In British English the process is normally called nickelling, while nickel plating is common in both British and North American usage. Although the term is primarily associated with metalworking and manufacturing, it also appears in conservation and restoration contexts, where carefully applied coatings can protect historic objects without obscuring their original form.
nounThe process of applying a thin layer of nickel to the surface of another metal, usually by electroplating. It is used to improve resistance to corrosion, reduce wear, or create a decorative finish.
- The application of a layer of nickel to another metal, usually by electroplating.
"The manufacturer applied nickelling to the steel rails before they were assembled."
"Nickelling the fittings gave the old brass a bright, durable finish."
"The workshop specializes in the restoration and nickelling of antique metalwork."
The plural is rare because nickelling is normally treated as an uncountable process.
"Nickellings of antique hardware appeared in the workshop's restoration catalogue."
Nickelling can make an inexpensive metal look polished while also helping it resist corrosion and wear.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nickelling come from?
Nickelling was formed from the name nickel with the suffix -ing, denoting the application of that metal as a coating. Nickel ultimately comes through the English word from German Kupfernickel, literally “copper devil,” an old miners’ term for an ore that resembled copper but did not yield it. Forms such as nickelware and the chemical adjectives nickelic and nickelous developed from the same metal name.
Related word forms
How nickelling is actually used
The spelling with two l's is standard in British English; North American usage generally favors nickel plating or nickeling. Nickelling is most often treated as an uncountable name for a process, although the plural is occasionally used.
Easily confused with nickelling
Nickelling and nickeling refer to the same process, but nickelling is the conventional British spelling while nickeling is the conventional North American spelling.
Nickel is the metal itself, whereas nickelling is the process or treatment of coating another metal with it.