Copper Electroplating Services Copper electroplating is the most commonly plated metal other than nickel plating. The reason for the popularity of copper plating is that copper plating or, what is commonly known as a copper strike is an excellent undercoat for subsequent deposits of metal plating. Copper plating serves as a good metal to cover substrate defects such as splinters, pit holes and other defects caused from lead or zinc die-casting. Buffing or burnishing copper, which is very easy to do, improves its ability to be an excellent substrate. Copper can provide an easy-to-plate, highly level and bright finish. In addition, copper is among the less expensive metals. More leveling or thickness of plating can be obtained from copper plating for the cost of the metal electroplated than for any other electroplated metal.