To Dip or To Brush...which is better?

Immersing parts in chrome electroplating tank would give the most consistancy of plate, especially on larger parts. Decorative chrome is almost always electroplated over a layer of bright nickel. If the part is brush plated, the nickel could become passive before the entire part is plated with chrome, causing poor adhesion of the chrome.

Brush plating is used in touch up work and decorative plating. The problem with brush plating chrome work, is that many times a thick copper plate is needed initially, in order to polish to a mirror finish, then nickel plate, then chrome. It is very difficult to obtain a thick plate with brush plating. It is also extremely operator sensitive, in which a less experienced operator would probably see defects such as blistering, peeling, etc. Conventional plating is much more forgiving. Also, I do not this for a fact, but many in the industry have said that brush plating solutions are much more expensive than conventional.
This being said, I do not want to discourage you from entering this field. I have found my electroplating career to be challenging, interesting, and fulfilling - why else would I be answering this post at 10:30 on a friday night! If you have determined brush plating to be your best choice for entering the industry, I say get a kit, get some scrap parts, and practice, practice, practice.

Eddie,  How did your steel drums turn out?