Abstract: An improved plating method in combination with a low-temperature thermal treatment is disclosed. The method for reducing the stress in the nickel-based alloy plating comprises the steps of: (a) adding ceramic particles into a plating bath containing soluble nickel salts; and (b) placing a substrate in the plating bath and thereafter carrying out a pulse-current electroplating in the plating bath. The method of this invention can prevent substrate softening or deformation problems. The use of a post low-temperature thermal treatment can slightly increase the hardness of the coating products. The use of the low-temperature thermal treatment can reduce the stress of the coatings since the hydrogen embrittlement resulting from exist of hydrogen in the coatings is eliminated.