I abandoned the kit I bought from Eastwood. Although it would plate its performance was mediocre at best. I bought a kit from Caswell. Holy cow! This kit makes a novice a success. It was so nice to be able to plate my parts on demand. The place in Flint, MI was great and willing but as little parts kept popping up, I needed an alternative. Having this eliminates the need to go searching for a shiny replacement. And you know the part will fit. It is great!
The more a part is prepped the better the outcome. Most of the time I just bead blast each item and they will come out shiny. Recently while making the early dummy grips, I made one for myself also. Before I installed the rubber grip on it I polished each end in the lathe and then plated it. Not chrome for sure but I could certainly see myself in it.