Will It Fade? The 2026 Gold Plating Durability Report
We put our pins through the torture chamber (Salt Spray Test) so you don't have to. Here is the data on Real Gold vs. Imitation Gold.
"Will these turn my customers' shirts green?"
It's a fair question. Cheap plating oxidizes, tarnishes, and fades. To prove the quality of our 2026 plating formulas, we conducted a standard ASTM B117 Salt Spray Test.
Salt Spray Test Results (ASTM B117)
We exposed different plating types (applied over Zinc Alloy and Brass bases) to a continuous 5% salt fog at 35°C. This simulates years of exposure to sweat, humidity, and air.
| Plating Type | 24 Hours | 48 Hours | 72 Hours | Est. Lifespan* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Gold (24K) (Recommended for Hard Enamel) | No Change | No Change | No Change | 10+ Years |
| Nickel (Silver) | No Change | No Change | Slight Dullness | 8-10 Years |
| Imitation Gold | No Change | Minor Spots | Visible Oxidation | 2-3 Years |
| Black Nickel | No Change | No Change | No Change | 10+ Years |
*Estimated lifespan assumes normal indoor storage and occasional wear. High humidity or direct contact with chemicals (perfume) will reduce lifespan.
Which Plating Should You Choose?
Real Gold Plating
Uses actual 24K gold in the electroplating tank.
- Jewelry-grade shine
- Increases perceived value
- Costs ~15% more
Imitation Gold
A tinted alloy that looks like gold but contains none.
- Cheaper (Budget friendly)
- Good for giveaways
- Will fade eventually