ESDU 86033 uses the results of over 100 fatigue tests extracted from the literature to show the detrimental effect of chromium plating on the fatigue limit of low alloy steel. The effects of various pre- and post-plating treatments that may be applied to alleviate the detrimental effect are considered. Graphs show the improvement in fatigue strength possible through the use of shot peening before plating, and the influence of baking at various temperatures on the fatigue limit. Also included is consideration of the effect of polishing and/or grinding.