I used to work in printed circuits manufacturing, so I know all about plating copper, nickel, and gold. I personally would not attempt what you are intending, unless I had a use for 1000 or more hinges. My reasoning is that the set-up and trial run could easily cost a grand or so, and it would take some minimum production to recover that time and money. Have you checked out the reproduction hardware outlets that sell to antique restorers?

Eric,

I'm sure what you're saying is true of real triple-plate chroming. I was thinking more along the lines of the small kits sold for home use (one brand name is "Copy Chrome"); the finish you get is supposedly slightly less blue than chrome, but still quite good.

Small brush kits can be had for about $30, and a small tank dip setup runs around $150.

I have looked in every antique & reproduction catalog under the sun; the offset I need is only offered in one style, which really doesn't look right with my cabinets. I wish I could go back in time and ask the person who built my cabinets (in 1930) where the heck he found those hinges...

Here is a link that might be useful: a small home chroming kit

Send them out. You have to strip the old finish with strong acid, then it gets messy with buffers and polishers, then it gets nasty with chrome (which can be toxic) and then there are the fumes .... not pleasant.

The "copy chrome" kit is $30 or so, but it can't do more than a few square inches. How many kits would you need?

I would not suggest doing it yourself. Chrome plating produces several hazardous wastes that are difficult to dispose of (and very expensive). It is also very messy and contaminating your own property is not a very good idea.