"There are many objects that are not metallic, yet need to be plated. Most people are familiar with 'Baby Shoe Bronzing" where small leather shoes are 'dipped' in copper. The process is carried out by gluing a layer of fine copper powder to the shoe. Once this has been allowed to dry, the part is then immersed in the copper plating tank and a heavy layer of copper applied.
Plastic and other parts can be treated the same way. We have found that the copper powder is best applied to plastic, (car parts & models) by mixing the copper into a plastic adhesive, such as PVC or ABS plastic pipe adhesive (Made by the Oatey Co.) This can then be brushed or sprayed onto the part and allowed to dry, and then plated first with copper, then nickel and or chrome. On plastic model cars, the nickel plate makes an excellent substitute for chrome. The copper can be polished to a high shine using metal polishes etc. and this will improve the reflective properties of the nickel plate.
The real trick here is to get the paint onto the part evenly. Once dry, dip into Caswell Tinning Solution to increase the conductivity.
Apply a heavy layer of copper plate, and LIGHTLY buff it to a high shine. Then you can plate it with Copy Chrome, or Nickel plate. We would NOT recommend plating with Chrome, as the currents required are too high, and may encourage dis-bonding of the paint film.
There is a certain amount of skill required to accomplish this procedure. We do not recommend the process for large items, such as motorcycle helmets.
The copper conductive coating only becomes conductive once it is actually immersed into an electrolyte and has a current applied to it. Testing the dry surface with a test meter will not produce a positive reading.
Commercial Chrome Plating onto plastic is a complicated, and involved process, using numerous tanks with dangerous chemicals. We can only recommend our process for small 'one off' items. You should also be competent at copper and nickel/Copy Chrome plating before attempting this procedure."
from http://www.caswellplating.com
Aldo Ross