Cleaning chrome plated plastic

[Bunky]

Chromed plastic does exist. Here is a link. It is a multi-step process.

Plastic Chrome Plating & Electroplating Services | Classic Chrome Plating

One key clue is that the plastic has to have a coating added to attract the chrome like electroless nickel. This is sometimes selectively done (areas to be plated) or the whole thing. Smaller parts are just completely dipped This will usually leave the surface gray. I know my inside door pulls on MKZ is plastic chrome since is flaking off -- just like my real chromed wheels.

Yes in some cases where aluminum used but it is soft so should scratch easily unless they coat it.

[Accumulator]

Bunky- Ah, interesting! Confirms my suspicions that we can`t generalize *too* much as there are different versions.

Oh, and FWIW the "sure doesn`t seem like chromium, sure behaves like aluminum" stuff does seem to have some kind of oe clear on it.

I gotta remember to ask somebody in the Jag Club about this one..see what they think is on the XJS. Hope it`s not some unsolvable mystery like whatever finish is on the D2 Audis` exterior aluminum trim! Never did find out what that is, different stories from different people at Audi.