How to Remove Chrome From Model Car Parts

Some model car kits manufacturers seem to put chrome on almost everything. Therefore, you might occasionally run across a chrome part in your model car kit that you would rather be black or another color. Follow these steps to remove the chrome from model car parts.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Container with lid
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Old clothes (optional)
• Bleach

1. Get a container that will hold the model car part. The container should have a lid. So that you can see the progress inside, a good choice would be a glass container.
2. Wear goggles, gloves and work in a well-ventilated area for safety reasons. Remember that bleach will ruin clothes, so put on some old clothing that you don't care about.
3. Place the part in the container and pour in regular household bleach until the car part is completely submerged. Put on the lid. The bleach will completely remove all of the chrome without damaging the part itself.
4. Remove the car part from the bleach when the chrome is all gone. Rinse it completely under warm water and dispose of the bleach properly.
5. Check to see if there is a shiny coating still covering the car part. If there is, realize that the manufacturer put it there to keep the chrome in place. If you want to remove this as well, use a high quality oven cleaner to take it off. On the other hand, you can simply scrape and sand it away.
6. Remember to clean and dry all parts before continuing to repaint them and build your model car.