for plating I actually used abs 'paint'.
So acetone and about a 3or 4:1 ratio of graphite to clear abs filament.
The abs acts with the acetone as a glue. You have to be careful when handling the painted object, but it will copper plate quite well.

You need to balance the glueing effect with the conductivity of the graphite. Too little abs and the paint just won't stick. Too much and it won't plate.

It's worth persevereing and getting your own recipe right as the commercial conductive paints are extemely expensive.