What term describes a finish created by coating base metal with another metal through an electrolytic process?

The term that describes a finish created by coating the base metal with another metal through an electrolytic process is "plated finish." This process involves electroplating, where an electric current is used to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a coherent metal coating on the substrate. This method is widely used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of items, improve corrosion resistance, and provide other functional properties like electrical conductivity.

In contrast, polished finishes typically involve mechanical polishing methods that create a shiny surface but do not involve the application of a coating. Coated finishes could involve various other methods not limited to electroplating, and gloss finishes refer to the shine or luster of a surface rather than a specific finishing process. Therefore, the accurate terminology for the described process is a plated finish, which specifically denotes the electrolytic application of a metal coating to another metal.