Plenty of “new”patina paint jobs that look very convincing (but most don’t). Has anyone attempted doing patina quality chrome plating. Professional chrome plating involves polishing to perfection, exact use of chemicals and procedures. Applying less stringent controls could result in somewhat ****ty looking chrome plating to complement a “new” patina Hot Rod paint job. The Rolling Bones Hot Rods are IMHO the peak of perfection., and what DIYers would do well following. .
Any sort of chrome plating is going to involve the use of some nasty chemicals that I wouldn't recommend for home use. Perhaps one of those chrome-like paints available today could be used, with some aging techniques.
Not to pile on you @A *****,but the thread that asks about a DIY chrome process (paint, powdercoating, ceracote, alternate plating) seems to be a common thing. I know this is a different tack, trying to look used, but dang. It's very expensive and there are fewer places which means shipping and trust along with long waits. But there really isn't a viable subs***ute for it. Nothing looks quite like it. There are various videos of different plating that might be tried as a DIY, but I doubt any will be convincing.
I had some lenses vacuum metalized that is the same basic process that is used on model car parts. The spray chrome that is available in cans does not have the depth that real chrome has. Past discussion on the HAMB: https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/vacuum-metalizing.511440/
A few years ago Jay Leno did a video on a process similar to silver plating on mirrors. It used a 2 part spray gun (it sprayed 2 solutions at the same time) and was clear coated when done. The end result looked very good on the video. However, I am not able to find the video.
https://www.ecosia.org/images?q=nickel VS chrome plating Lots of various paint places offer applications https://usa.spe******tpaints.com/products/chrome-paint
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