How We Source Tarnish-Resistant Hardware (A 3-Step QC Process)

A beautiful bag can be ruined by a single cheap component. One of the most common client complaints is hardware that fades, chips, or tarnishes. When a “gold” buckle turns green or a zipper puller’s plating flakes off, the customer feels cheated, and the bag’s perceived value plummets.

This is a sourcing problem, not a design problem. At Laimi, we act as our client’s in-house QC team. We don’t just “buy” hardware; we source it through a rigorous 3-step quality assurance process.

1. Certified Supplier Vetting

• The Risk: Buying from any random vendor at a hardware market who claims their product is “good quality” to make a quick sale.
• Our Solution: We don’t “shop” for hardware; we build partnerships. We maintain a database of vetted, certified suppliers with proven track records for high-quality electroplating. We know their strengths, whether it’s for premium solid brass or high-volume zinc alloy.

2. Specifying the Plating AND Protective Glaze

• The Risk: Choosing hardware based on its look and color alone. A supplier can easily cut costs by using a micro-thin plating layer (e.g., 0.1 micron) with no protective top coat. This hardware will tarnish the moment it’s exposed to humidity or hand oils.
• Our Solution: We specify the exact plating thickness based on the client’s budget and goals. More importantly, we mandate a final protective glaze (or lacquer). This transparent top coat is the most critical step for durability. It seals the metal from the air and prevents oxidation (tarnishing).

3. Verifying Durability with the “Salt Spray Test”

• The Risk: Trusting a supplier’s claims without objective proof.
• Our Solution: This is our key trust-builder. For our clients’ orders, we require suppliers to provide a Salt Spray Test (SST) report. This is an industry-standard accelerated corrosion test. The hardware is placed in a chamber and blasted with a saltwater mist for 24, 48, or 72 hours. This simulates months or even years of harsh, real-world use. If the hardware shows no signs of rust or tarnish, it passes.

Our Philosophy: We Don’t Trust, We Verify

The hardware is the “jewelry” of a handbag. It must be treated with the same level of sourcing scrutiny. We protect your brand’s reputation by being meticulous about the components we use.

Let’s discuss the quality components for your next collection. Contact our team for a free consultation.