gold plating
Thin metallic coating
Gold plating is the process of applying a thin layer of gold to another metal surface, typically for decoration or corrosion resistance.
The term extends figuratively to adding unnecessary features or refinements to something already adequate: The committee accused the agency of gold plating the regulations.
In project management, gold plating means exceeding requirements without authorization—often well-intentioned but wasteful.
- electroplatingElectrically depositing metal layers
- overengineeringExcessive unnecessary complexity
- feature creepGradual unnecessary expansion
- superficialLacking depth or substance
- veneerDecorative outer layer
shallow · overdesign · electrodeposition · coating · scope creep · bling · insubstantial · bells and whistles · wealth · karat · luxury · jewelry · ostentation · noble metal · thin · all that glitters · metallic · finish
- coatingspaint, enamel, varnish, primer, glaze
- jewelry finishesmatte finish, polished finish, brushed finish, satin finish, hammered finish
- Dekotoraneon lights, chrome trim, painted murals, illuminated signs, light boxes
- metal platingelectroplating
- faux materialsfaux leather, faux fur, faux marble, faux wood, faux stone
- gold-colored metalsbrass, bronze
gold platingsolid gold
Entirely of precious yellow metal
pure gold · through and through · genuine article · the real thing · genuine
gold platingbare metal
Direct hardware access, unmediated
unfinished · uncoated · austere · unadorned · plain
gold platingminimum viable product
Simplest testable market offering
MVP · bare bones · stripped down · no frills · lean
gold, golden, gild, plating, gilded, gilding, gilt, goldsmith, goldsmiths