When it comes to plating, not all base metals will accept chromium, and need a nickel layer applied first. That is what two step is all about. That is also how they plate plastic by applying a submetal that can adhere to plastic and that chromium can adhere to. The layers are micro thin too. A proper chrome job though will use a base layer of copper which is then polished smooth prior to plating with nickel. Nickel is used as the filler metal, and the chrome is extremely thin.
Last edited by acdii; 11-21-2017 at 09:33 AM.