I saw a new Fuji in a bike store a few months ago, and was admiring the chrome lugs. The salesman told me it was paint. I could barely believe it, it was that convincing.

I say paint the bike any way you like, and get the best rattlecan chrome for the lugs. Do a nice job, but the priority is to get the bike on the road. In a few years, if you are absolutely in love with this bike and have convinced yourself you'll never find a ride so sweet or a better fit and no other Raleigh International will do, &c, then go see the chromer.