Decorative Hardware/Finishes FAQ
Q: What is a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating?
A: The PVD coating process involves depositing metallic ions (atoms with an electrical charge) under low vacuum conditions to a chrome plated metal. The result is a dense, high-quality coating that is highly resistant to wear and discoloration without the need for a clear coat. PVD colors range from 24K gold to dark brass. PVD coatings are used in many industries and applications from computer chips to auto racing engine parts, machine components, and coated cutting tools for metalworking. Häfele's
architectural lever sets and some
decorative hardware have a PVD coating.
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Q: What's the difference between something that is galvanized and something that is chrome plated?
A: Galvanizing in a process where steel parts are dipped in molten zinc. (Along with several other herbs and spices.) This is commonly used to waterproof steel buckets. Galvanized hardware is usually designed for water resistance, not for looks, as galvanized steel will often have a dull, textured appearance.
As for chrome plating, there are actually two different types. The first type is "hard chrome plating" (sometimes called engineering chrome plating) and the second is "decorative chrome plating".
Hard Chrome plating is just chrome plating, but it is applied as a fairly heavy coating (usually measured in thousandths of an inch) for wear resistance, lubricity, oil retention and other wear purposes. Some examples would be hydraulic cylinder rods, rollers, piston rings, thread guides, etc. It is called hard chrome because it is thick enough that when a hardness measurement is performed the chrome hardness can actually be measured. It is almost always applied to items that are made of steel. It's not shiny or decorative.
Decorative chrome plating is sometimes called nickel-chrome plating because it always involves plating nickel before plating the chrome. The chrome adds to the bluish cast (filtering the somewhat yellowish cast of the nickel), and it protects against tarnish, and minimizes scratching. But the point is, without the brilliant nickel undercoating, you would not have a reflective, decorative surface. Some metals, like zinc die-castings, cannot be directly nickel-plated but must be copper plated first. Other materials, like aluminum, cannot be copper plated until they have been zincated.
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Q: Can I get it in another color/finish?
A: The finishes shown in the catalog were current at the time of the printing, and new colors/finishes may now be available. Contact your Häfele sales representative for availability.
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Q: I'm buying door/drawer pulls, are the screws included?
A: In most cases the screws are not included, but if they are included, it will be stated in the description in the catalog. Keep in mind that the manufacture has no way of knowing how thick your drawer/door is, so the length of an included screw may not match your needs.
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