I would like to know your opinion and suggestions about brass plating wheel spokes and nipples. I’ve read most if not all of the posts related to brass plating found on this forum. I still have few questions.

I have the original set of spokes made from steel and plated (not sure with what) that I can strip mechanically to clean steel and polish them to high gloss or I can get new set that is "bright cadmium plated". Which option is better to start of with?

Do I need to use pickle to clean or can I just follow one of the methods of cleaning with degreaser followed by soapy water, do the water test.

Should I get plug n play kit or standard kit? I need plating to be able to stand road use and occasional hand polishing.

Do I plate nickel first before brass? This information is kind of confusing. Pick a kit tells me that I need to nickel first but product page for both plug n play and standard kit says that will plate directly onto steel.

Thank you for your time

Arthur