You can plate with very thin copper at room temperature without electricity (it’s really a coating). You need to plate with copper first regardless of what electroless kit you want to use (nickel, tin, etc.)
The electroless kits (step 2) require a bunch of heat to be effective. You may need to use the high temp material for it to work without melting/distorting the part.
The first kit is: http://www.caswellplating.com/electroplating-anodizing/plating-non-conductive-parts/electroless-copper-kit-1-pint.html