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Chrome plating on stainless steel

Hello, I am a computer case builder. dealing in custom cases from 'antiqued' cabinets to box standard cased, I have recently been asked to build a glass case with various chrome components and the usual Ultra Violet L.E.D.s my question is (after reading an extremely large quantity of posts) would be more of a clarification on things as apposed to a direct question. Do I require nickel plating before I chrome plate on to stainless steel? the items in question are power supply units and motherboard trays.

Ok a little about my plating experience....embarrassingly I brought this hobby kit a few days ago, up till then nothing. I have given a leave time of 3 months and explained my lack of plating experience (gotta be honest). client is happy to wait. I have read so many pages from this site and the wealth of information is outstanding. I'm hoping I have read thing right which is why I'm posting this. I look forward to reading any replies.

many thanks for a great site
dean

Dean Mayers
Hobbyist/Computer builder - Greenhithe, Kent, United Kingdon
January 31, 2011

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Stainless is far too broad a term to give an answer. If it was 400 series, you might be able to activate it without a nickel strike. Most platers could do this.
On high nickel alloys, the answer is extremely few platers could get consistently great chrome plate adhesion.

18/8 or 300 series is a maybe, but probably not.

To be able to cover yourself, I would put in a Woods Nickel Strike that is high on the acid and low on the nickel of whatever bath you chose.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
First of two simultaneous responses -- February 1, 2011

Chromium plating is something for professional plater not for hobby platers.Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
Second of two simultaneous responses -- February 2, 2011