Nickel Strike or Nickel Plating Solution

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Hi,
I am new and don't have much knowledge about electroplating. So I beg you please don't be so technical when replying.

I recently got me a brush plating system to do gold plating decorative chrome items. I understand that I can gold plate iron/steel by applying Woods Nickel Strike -> Activating it before depositing the 24K gold.

Q1. Can I instead use Nickel plating solution rather than nickel strike for this procedure?
Q2. Will there be any significant affect to the quality, appearance, and durability?
Q3. Finally, which is better? and why?

I also know that nickel plating solution is for top coat/final finish. But will it work well in situation described?

Thanks in advance

Syed Amir
Hobbyist - Malaysia