How to Remove the Chrome off Rims

Removing the chrome from rims is necessary when you want to repaint them or refinish them. There is little prep work required for removing the chrome, but once you do, you'll need to paint them right away and seal them to prevent them from becoming pitted and from oxidizing.

Things You'll Need

• 600 grit sandpaper
• Brasso wheel polish
• 1,200 grit sandpaper
• Steel wool
• Lint-free towel

Instructions

1. Apply a liberal amount of Brasso wheel polish to the surface of the wheels.

2. Sand the wheel surface with 600 grit sandpaper. The Brasso and the sandpaper should remove most of the chrome. However, it will likely leave very visible scratches.

3. Wipe the chrome off with a clean towel.

4. Apply a second coat of Brasso wheel cleaner. Sand the wheel with 1,200 grit sandpaper. This will remove whatever is left of the chrome and help smooth out the scratches left by the 600 grit paper.

5. Wipe the wheel clean with a towel.

6. Apply another coat of Brasso wheel polish.

7. Rub the wheel with steel wool to smooth out all of the scratches left by the sandpaper.

References

• Auto Body Repair Technology, fifth edition; James E. Duffy, Cengage Learning; 2009