Chrome Plated Plastic

I believe the factory did the chrome plating using vacuum metallization, and those machines are tens of thousands of dollars. I've been looking into it myself, and there are a few techniques people use, like painting on conductive paint, then nickel plating by using a piece of nickel as your anode.

There's also Caswell Plating, which sells plating kits. I've heard great reviews from friends who've used their products.

caswellplating.com

Lots of people use the silver or chrome paint pens, but you definitely get a "silver" look and nowhere near chrome. I don't like how it looks.

I'm sorry I can't tell you my actual experiences, it's something I've been wanting to try. Hopefully someone here can chime in.