A very low concentration trivalent chromium plating bath in which the source of chromium is an aqueous solution of a chromium (III)- thiocyanate complex (Cr less than 0.03 M) gives a deposit of unexpectedly light colour. Such a bath is employed to produce thin overcoatings of light coloured chromium and may replace the rinse tank of a first chromium (III)- thiocyanate process which is optimized for efficiency and bath stability rather than colour.