Copy Chrome on plastic

[jarhead354]

Hello all, I'm new to plating and I know next to nothing about it. However, I'm eager and want to learn as much as possible before making an investment in a kit.

I want to plate some plastic pieces from a motorcycle that have already been chromed but have been damaged. I know I will need to strip the original chrome finish and prep the piece. The damage goes down to plastic so I'll need to fill in the divit with a filler and then cover that with a sealer then a conductive layer. Finally, I'll need to plate with copy chrome.

My question is can you simply spray on conductive copper paint then copy chrome over that? I know Caswell sells a silver paint but that costs more. Does anyone have any experience with that method? I understand that adding a layer of copper plating would probably be better but I'm trying to keep cost and complexity at a minimum.

Don't get me wrong, cost is not the only factor but I wanted to try to find a simple, cost effective method to start with then expand from there (like a lot of folks on these forums from what I've read).

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Frank Carroll

[CarWiz]

Caswell Inc. Pick-A-Kit Helper

If you use the copper conductor I believe Caswell recommends the tinning dip after. This enhances the conductivity. The part should then be plated with copper and buffed smooth. After that, the part can be plated.