Craig, I don't believe I have ever seen a 'plated' bail.
They are usually tempered steel.
I never attempt to remove a bail... ever... I am a 90 lb. weakling...
I process them attached to item, thru the lye bath and the electro.........
and shine them up with a little Mother's or another polish if needed (which is rarely).... a wipe with 000 or 0000 steel wool is usually all that is needed....