Originally Posted by
Charles Wahl
I don't think that plating is all that expensive, compared to a paint job. That said, it's environmentally harmful, and as others have said above, the prep of the surface is of utmost importance. Plating doesn't hide anything. My guess is that I would be happier with the quality a nice paint job. I must admit that I have had dropouts and fork crown chromed on one frame I've had refinished. But there are issues with hydrogen embrittlement of thin steel, etc. So for other frames, I've just decided that paint or PC is the best answer.
Polishing the metal prior to painting is where the expense comes in. Your average Joe Cyclist doesn't have the tools/equipment at home for a proper DIY polishing job. Paying someone to polish and plate a bike frame will be more expensive than painting. Pro quality painting can also be done at home with a minimal investment in painting gear. Unless you really are hardcore, you're not doing chrome plating at home. Besides, most towns would probably shut you down if they found out you had a chrome operation going in your garage. The chemicals involved are highly toxic.