Abstract: An electroless nickel plating method for the preparation of zirconia ceramic material. The surface of the zirconia ceramic material is first cleaned of contaminants. This is followed by an etching step where the surface of the material is etched by an acid. Then, activating the surface of the material is achieved by first applying a tin sensitizer, and then a palladium activator. Following the palladium activator step, applying an electroless nickel to the surface of the post activated material. After the electroless nickel bath, the zirconial ceramic material can then be further electroless or electrolytically plated with a variety of finishes. Applying the method of the present invention provides a suitable, commercially practicable method for the preparation of zirconia ceramic material for electroless nickel plating, so that the electroless nickel chemistry is distributed evenly on the material's surface.