How to Strip Chrome Plating
When working with chromed parts, such as found on model cars, notice how challenging it can be to keep from scratching the chrome. It becomes increasingly difficult when you want to paint the chromed areas, since the paint does not stick well to chrome. Strip the chrome plating first in order to apply paint or another finish to the product. Stripping the chrome plating can be done in a brief period of time using supplies found in your home.
Things You'll Need
- Safety eye goggles
- Disposable latex gloves
- Respirator mask
- Small plastic container or bucket
- Unscented or scented household bleach
- Chrome parts
Instructions
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Put on safety eye goggles and disposable latex gloves to avoid burning your eyes from the bleach and irritating your skin. Wear a respirator mask to keep from inhaling the fumes from the bleach. Work in a well-ventilated area.
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2
Fill a small plastic container or bucket with household bleach, unscented or scented. Ensure you have a deep container to fully cover your chrome items with bleach.
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3
Soak the chrome parts for a few minutes. How long this process takes depends on the thickness of the chrome. Watch as the chrome dissolves from the parts during this time.
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4
Remove the chrome parts from the container after all of the chrome has disappeared and rinse the parts under running water. You will now have bare, shiny plastic parts. This clear coating allowed the chrome to stick to the parts and can be removed using a paint stripper or oven cleaner.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear disposable vinyl or Nitrile gloves if you have allergies to latex. Purchase these gloves at drugstores, home improvement stores, hardware stores or online.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit ecologist in mask image by Alexey Klementiev from Fotolia.com
