The analysis of surface preparation condition before chemical nickel plating process showed obvious differences connected with basic quantitative parameters determining the top surface roughness and its topography resulting from the use of different surface preparation types. It was shown that the highest smoothness is obtained by using the polishing. However, those results must also include quality observations of a surface condition and presence of under surface defects. From the above point of view, the most suitable method is the vibro-abrasive machining making it possible to obtain a surface free from contamination and not causing uncontrolled removal of the skin layer. Moreover, this method allows one to mechanically „close” cracks and defects, which facilitates adhesion of the layers deposited in the later stages. It is especially useful in the case of elements with complicated shapes.