Part of what makes chroming so expensive is the cost of the chemicals and the permits to use them. The chemicals are VERY expensive because the suppliers have to pay some big licensing fees to the EPA, etc. Also, plating shops are under constant scrutiny.., but check this out:
http://www.alsacorp.com/products/chr...x_prodinfo.htm
Has anybody seen anything done with this product? The video is impressive... If I had the $8,000 to invest in the system, I might consider setting up a business... IF it looks as good in person. It is apparently no more harmful than ordinary automotive finishes. If you browse the site a little, you'll see that they also have a product that can be applied with ordinary HVLP spray equipment and they also have it in spray cans! I'm very tempted to try some of this stuff...