How to Peel Chrome Wheels

If the chrome finish peels from your wheels, finish the peeling process with acetone.

If the chrome finish on your wheels starts to flake and peel, you can fix the problem by removing the chrome finish altogether. If your chrome finish is peeling, it was not actually plated in chrome, but rather painted with a chrome-like shiny plastic coating. When this peels away, the best thing to do is remove it completely and add a new chrome finish or apply chrome plating to the wheels.

Things You'll Need

• Tire iron
• Chrome wheels
• Acetone
• Fan
• Soft cloth
• Toothbrush or other small brush
• Degreasing cleaner
• Rubber gloves
• Safety goggles

Instructions

1. Remove the wheels from the vehicle by unscrewing the bolts holding the wheel on the axle with a tire iron. Unscrew the bolts in a zigzag pattern to prevent the wheel base from warping.

2. Place the wheels on a flat surface that can't be damaged by acetone. While most countertops will not be damaged by acetone spills, wood finishes and some plastics may warp and bubble if acetone spills on them.

3. Pour a small amount of acetone onto a soft cloth. Rub the cloth onto the peeling chrome paint using circular motions.

4. Continue to rub the acetone onto the paint until the finish is completely removed from the wheels. You may need to use a toothbrush or other type of small brush to rub the acetone onto hard-to-reach areas.

5. Rinse the wheel with water to remove chrome residue and acetone residue from the wheels. Use clean water and a degreasing cleaner before applying another finish to the wheels.

Tips & Warnings

• Put on safety goggles and rubber gloves to protect your hands.

• Take care not to get acetone in your eyes or mouth.

• Work in a well-ventilated area to protect your lungs; open a window or use a fan to circulate the air as you work.

References

• Metro Wheels: Peeling Flaking Wheel Finishes
• Ultimate RC: Remove Chrome from Wheels Using Acetone