JIS defines the requirements on silver plating that is 0.5 µm and thicker for decorative purposes as described hereinafter. The decorative purposes mentioned here are designed for usages with tableware, personal ornaments and miscellaneous goods in which appearance, corrosion resistance, and abrasion resistance are valued the most.

(1) Appearance

The significant surfaces of the plating should be free from defects of polish, radiance, color shades, and imperfections as roughness, burnt parts, cracks, pits, dendrites, plating defects as substrate or undercoat exposure, adhesion failure as swelling or external flaws including smudges and scratches.

(2) Plating thickness

The plating thickness will be determined and agreed between the parties concerned. The thickness must meet the specified value at any point on the significant surfaces. [Table] shows the minimum plating thicknesses that are commonly used.

[Table] Classification by the minimum plating thickness

(3) Porosity of plating

If the porosity of plating is specified, it must pass the porosity test as agreed.(See the corresponding section in "Electroplated Coatings of Silver for Engineering Purposes.")

(4) Color fastness of plating

If the color fastness is specified for anti-tarnish treated plating, the property must be evaluated by measuring the time until a discoloration occurs after dipping the sample into the ammonium sulfide solution.

(5) Plating adhesion

The plating adhesion can be verified by a tape test or a bending test.

(6) Plating hardness

The plating section or surface must be measured by instruments, such as a micro Vickers hardness meter.

(7) Abrasion resistance of plating

It should be determined by methods defined in the JIS abrasion test method or those agreed between the parties concerned.

(8) Base-coat plating

If the parties concerned agreed to have base-coat plating applied for improving appearance, corrosion resistance, or adhesion properties, the plating type and thickness must also be specified.

(9) Plating name and symbol

Ep-Cu/Ni 5 b,D-Ag 5

Decorative silver plating with a thickness of at least 5 µm over bright nickel base-coat plating on a brass substrate

Ep-Cu/D-Ag 10 / AT

Decorative silver plating of 10 µm or thicker deposited on a brass substrate, treated with anti-tarnish chromate finish

EP-Zn/Cu 10,Ni 12 b,D-Ag 5

Decorative silver plating with a thickness of at least 5 µm over copper base-coat plating with a thickness of 10 µm and bright nickel base-coat plating with a thickness of 12 µm on a zinc die casting alloy substrate