For applications requiring a bright or lustrous appearance, bright nickel plating should be utilized. Bright nickel systems have organic additives that refine the grain structure of the nickel and deposit with a self-levelling effect to enhance luster. However these additives can impair the sloderability or brazing of the nickel.

Since it is a electrolytic process nickel will have a very bright reflective shine, Nickel is a silvery white metal with a slight golden or yellow hue.
A satin appearance or a full dull matte luster. It is a reactive element. Two different methods of nickel plating are
Type 1 DULL
Type 2 BRIGHTENED Deposits