Abstract: A relatively inexpensive process for making plastic components having textured chrome finishes that may have fine, crisp, clean lines and intricate details includes steps of electroplating a layer of etchable metal on a surface of a plastic article, typically preserving the surface of the etchable metal, etching a desired relief pattern on the layer of etchable metal, typically cleaning and activating the surface of the relief patterned etched metal layer, and electroplating a layer of decorative metal on the relief patterned etched metal layer.

Abstract: A tool for electroplating a portion of the surface of each of a plurality of pieces includes a first plate having a plurality of holes, and a second plate having a plurality of retaining elements. Each of the holes is configured to receive a piece that is to be electroplated, and to mask a portion of the surface and expose another portion of the surface of the piece. The first and second plates are held together, and a mechanism is provided for shifting one of the plates with respect to the other between a first orientation in which the retaining elements are disengaged from pieces received in the holes and a second orientation in which the retaining elements are engaged with pieces received in the holes. This arrangement allows the pieces to be quickly and easily retained for an electroplating operation and released after the electroplating operation.