Abstract: A metal base which has a decorative chromium plate layer 0.002 to 0.10 mil thick on a nickel or similar substrate, usually 5 to 100 or more times as thick as the chromium plate layer, is used as a cathode in an electric cell in which the electrolyte solution is an aqueous acidic solution of hexavalent chromium in a combined state with oxygen and oxide ions of sulfur, selenium and/or tellurium, preferably the sulfate ion, preferably together with any of certain catalytic metal ions. When the electrolyte solution is heated to no more than about 195.degree. F. but preferably at least 150.degree. F. and a current in the range of about 0.3 to 4.