Bright nickel is one of the most important layers when it comes to decorative chrome plating. This nickel layer, once polished is not only responsible for much of the final smoothness and corrosive resistance, but also the majority of the reflectivity of the final wheel.

Again, many shops cut corners and do not spend the time to let a proper deposition of bright nickel adhere to their wheels. The result of this is failure in two fold. First, often times the copper layer beneath is visible through thin areas (if there is a copper layer at all), and second in that the wheels finish will degrade and peel prematurely.