Yes I can help out. PM and or email me.
Complete steps are a bit long for here for thread.
They have instructions here
http://support.caswellplating.com/index.php?/Knowledgebase/A rticle/View/92/19/plug-n-plate-kit-instructions I show how to DIY steps below.
The options and results will vary by the quality & concentrates of the materials you use, as you are looking to forgo expensive materials and eliminate any cyanide solutions I'd recommend a silver plate, not chrome. Then the durability of the process vs. wear and use. This is most important. Is a art piece differs from the wear on everyday jewelry!
Materials and availability vary by country so I will assume USA.
Two commercial direct silver rub on plating solutions exist. Google for Silverplater or Silversmith rub on solutions etch with scrub puff or acid then rub on.
http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/silverpl.htm or
http://www.cool-amp.com/cool_amp.html
Electro process is thicker and harder you need a small silver/copper anode the same SURFACE area of the piece to plate (pure .999 FINE Ag not plate & a stainless cathode 2:1 as large as the anode), a DIY ion Salt Silver solution like Silver Chloride
http://goo.gl/SPnqW and a power supply. Youtube has plenty of examples of how to make silver salts and setup anode/cathodes and I can be more specific in PM or Email!
Your challenge with steel is the alloy with Cu and the pitted SW finish. Copper plate is same as above but use Cu anode and Copper salts or DIY root killer (copper sulfates).
Seteps:
1) You'll need to etch Steel with acid (HCL or Sulfuric) and then plate nickel or copper (Nickel looks better with Gold plate, copper is fine for silver and bonds well with the SW alloy).reverse Elctro etch works even better with Baking soda.
2. Use a old DC power supply from a laptop or a 12v auto battery charger. A constant current regulator is best but expensive. Look for 5-12v for copper plate 2-6v for Silver at 1 Amp for for dip plating. Half this or less if you plan to brush plating on.
3. Attach part or touch to cathode and .999 silver/Copper to anode after etching and rinsing, no oils or fingerprints CLEAN CLEAN clean...
Apply current for a few seconds. if part turns dark or black don't worry, see if it buffs off and shines! then lower current or voltage to minimum for effect. Move the part so all areas face the anode.
Try to keep PH 8.5 to 9.5 with Acid (Muratic) to lower and Sodium Hydroxide (lye/draino) to raise PH and Temp to 68 F.
Test, practice and vary as dip vs. brush on plating vary.
See tips
https://www.caswellplating.com/manual/
I don't work for or refer to any specific vendors YMMV and cavet emptor!
POST RESULTS!
I can help with issues/problems. No mistakes as you can etch or buff off any finish and retest!