Home Plating Kits- Yes or No?

[robotnyk]

Greeting ladies and gents- perhaps i can get a good straight answer here!

 

Ive been restoring motorbikes, and have come across the question of plating the occasional . Im after bright finishes in copper zinc or nickel (Chromium is far too dangerous)- but the COSHH info on Nickel especially seems to rule that out. Ironic as copper plating is a standard school experiment! Im thinking of using a very low impact method, to get even mirror coats- even using drycell battery packs over many days if necessary. And yes this will be done in a well ventilated shed at outside temperature, to minimise the effect fo gases of any kind, using ammoniacal/metal sulphate solutions as opposed to cyanide and chloride (heh Ive done Chemistry to degree level so have SOME knowledge lol).

 

Now Ive seen opinion that professional plating is considered "cheap", but that hasnt been the case in real life! im virtually on a zero budget, so the professional course isnt an option right now! Thing is, am I being unrealistic plating with anything except Copper and Zinc? After all my setup will be basic (ie no fancy temperature controls or over the top compounds- but obviously with protective clothing). Obviously Im here to gather as much advice as possible before proceeding further! Is there a safer alternative metal that could give me a good finish from zinc and nickel, but more safely?

 

Many thanks!!