Methods for repairing plated metallic layers on plated polymeric parts are disclosed. First, a polymer is formed into an article of a desired shape or geometry. The outer surface of the article is prepared to receive a catalyst and then the outer surface is activated with the catalyst. A first metallic layer is then plated onto the outer surface to form a structure. Optional additional metallic layers may be applied. Then, a defect in a damaged metal layer is repaired by brush plating or brush electroplating.