Yes, hard chrome can be shiny, though it's not primarily applied for decorative purposes.
Hard chrome plating, typically applied to steel (often hardened steel), has a metallic appearance. While it can be polished to achieve a shiny finish, its main function is to enhance durability, wear resistance, and corrosion protection rather than aesthetics. Therefore, while shininess is possible, it's not the primary goal. It's unlike decorative chrome plating found on items like car bumpers or wheels, where a highly polished, reflective surface is the objective. Hard chrome focuses on functional properties, and the level of shine achieved is secondary.
