Plugging and Masking
IPC offers plugging and masking for surface areas and holes on your parts that do not require a metal finish. Plugs are used for holes and the masking can be brushed onto specific areas of the part, whether the surface is flat, curved, or threaded. This will help to shield the raw aluminum or steel from receiving a protective coating. Also, plugging will help to prevent the diameter of holes from changing while the protective coating is being applied which helps to ensure that precise measurements are not altered during the plating or coating process.