Haha, great minds and all that. I have discovered, now that I have finally stopped working, that I am even more lazy than I suspected, so this idea had surfaced already.

It should hydrochrome. That stuff goes on like glass cleaner. Not that expensive, but really convincing. Needs lacquering though as unless you buy the automotive grade stuff (many ££s), it's not UV resistant.

Small parts are best vacuum chrome plated. HOWEVER, the final finish depends on how good the finish is on the piece that is being plated. Almost all the printed parts that I have seen are rough to say the least and every mark will show.
Small flat parts can be cut from stainless steel and polished. The badges that I had cut were far better than any 3d printed badges you could get.

You can make great looking parts, just a bit more sanding and spraying to do....

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4700/...c3df75a1_b.jpg3d_printed_part, on Flickr

The trick is to print in ABS (or uv-stable ASA) and use acetone vapor to smooth the skin. Find a jar with a lid and hang your part form the lid such that it does not touch anything... pour in some acetone and put in 60-65c water bath for 3-8 minutes. The acetone will evaporate and condensate on the abs (and the glass) disolving the abs and creating a smooth skin. Let harden for a few hours before touching! Still some finishing to do after that....

Ian using PETG which is similar to ABS but easier to print but more importantly it is what I have available.

The acetone vapours don't smooth it so for my badge I am trying sanding but it that doesn't worki may try this stuff : https://www.matterhackers.com/store/...oz/sk/M3KW1WX0

It looks good in the adverts ..