Dan, Yes, you are correct, you can chrome plate aluminum. You can even chrome plastic too, but do the finish last? For this very reason, why many people don't suggest or use the process of chrome plating aluminum. Longevity is the question! I understand that this "chroming" process for aluminum is not stable for it peels and pits faster then the surfaces that are anodized. Heat and temperature changes will causes an electrolysis effect between the chrome material and aluminum's surfaces -- it will be inevitable. Chroming process requires a copper base for the chrome to start the process. One reason why it cost so much. Second is the labor required to polish the plated finish surface. Aluminum as a material expands and contracts faster then the chrome surface. Stress and heat also creates premature failure for the chrome plating. Thus generating cracking and peeling. Units that requires high tolerances and that are subjected to high stress are anodized as a choice of finish. Anodizing and does not change the balance of the unit. Chrome plating adds a new skin to the unit's surface which will help for the wear and tear. For example they chrome line cylinder's wall. Durability and longevity is the question of realty. I have seen failure in the area of chrome plating aluminum. Many people who understand this problem will shunt the idea of chrome plating aluminum. Unless they have UPDATED, IMPROVED or CHANGED upon this process -- forget about it. Many people feel this is not the right direction for the money to be invested. The cost of the chrome plating aluminum process out weights the cost and the durability of anodizing. I also personally think that chrome items that are not "done right" looks gordy and tasteless. Kayo Ong #05508 Lic 9D NY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ eGroup home: http://www.eGroups.com/group/dmcnews http://www.eGroups.com - Simplifying group communications