Plating or coating — applying a layer of metal (chrome, gold, silver, etc.) onto a surface; gilding or electroplating.
自動車のバンパーはクロムメッキが施されていることが多い。
Car bumpers are often chrome-plated.
金メッキの装飾が古い家具に豪華さを出している。
Gold plating on the ornament gives the old furniture a luxurious look.
電気部品の接点には錆びにくいメッキが必要だ。
Corrosion-resistant plating is necessary on electrical contacts.
Pretense or superficial gloss — an outward appearance that conceals lack of real substance; a veneer of showiness.
彼の学歴は立派だが、実務の経験は乏しく、メッキだけが目立つ。
His academic record is impressive, but his practical experience is lacking — it's all just gloss.
最初は人気があったがメッキが剥がれて本性が現れた。
At first he was popular, but his sheen wore off and his true character showed.
その会社のCSR活動はただのメッキに過ぎないと批判された。
The company's CSR activities were criticized as mere window-dressing.