Metal finishing may cover a potentially vast number of operations in which metals are cleaned, prepared, treated and coated. Intermediate operations may be carried out to make the surface receptive to the final coating. The coatings themselves can have a variety of compositions and consistencies. This Guide focusses principally on the traditional metal plating operations which have a long history of use, and are in widespread use around the world. They are significant in terms of environmental impact on account of the metals, chemicals and processes they involve. Nevertheless, the principles elaborated in this Guide will also be applicable to many other processes, and the Guide should be of value to a wide audience in government and industry.