DIY Plating and Chrome

[DC_1]

With the high price of getting things chromed, I wondered if anyone has attempted to do it themselves. I see Caswell has a kit.

http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/triple.htm

[Ghoste]

I have.  It's interesting and fun but keep in mind that it is only good for small parts, it isn't as easy or cheap as they quite make it out to be and it's as much art as science.  It takes a lot of practice to get show quality results and it quickly gives you an appreciation for a good plater and the common statement about prep.  Prep is key to everything.
Also keep in mind that it is extremely toxic soup you are playing with, the liquids and the fumes are all bad bad bad.
Other than that it's a worthwhile hobby.

[chargergirl]

Looks REALLY involved. Would have to agree as with everything else...prep it key to getting a good bond and making it as slick as possible.

[oldcarnut]

Also keep in mind that it is extremely toxic soup you are playing with, the liquids and the fumes are all bad bad bad.
Other than that it's a worthwhile hobby.

I used to treat the rinse/waste waters in a plating shop years back.  The place I work now has a small plating process and the EPA and state regulations are nightmarish.  I wonder how the regs fall with the do it at home plating considering many places won't allow you to even paint your own car.   Even if its a non business, the chemicals and especially chrome can get you in trouble in a spill or disposal  .

[68X426]

Also keep in mind that it is extremely toxic soup you are playing with, the liquids and the fumes are all bad bad bad.
Other than that it's a worthwhile hobby.

So is a meth lab! 

Seriously, your homeowners insurance is probably worthless if anything goes wrong, not to mention that you might be violating local ordinaces and/or state laws. Nearly all of us are DIYs, but this one you might want to leave to a shop to do the work.

[FLG]

It looks nice, but look at the size of the parts you could chrome...how many small parts like that are actually on our vehicles compared to the larger parts? Also it look extremely involved...let the pros do it.