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Removing Chrome?

#13
I work in an electroplating shop. We have chemicals that can remove chrome. Depending on what the base metal is it can be a very simple process.

Check your phone book to see if you have a local electroplating shop. I'm sure they'd do it for a small fee, or maybe even for free.
 
#14
Indi86 said:
I'm fairly certain that chroming something is not a process that's reversable.
Click to expand...

Yes, it can be reversed. Dechroming is a common process and is often used in the street rod industry on old original parts that need restoration work done on the base before the top layers are reapplied.

When chroming steel and other other ferrous metals, copper is the common base metal used under the chrome.
 
#16
Removing chrome is usually done with a strong HCL solution (30%-50%). Problems arise when the chrome layer has been removed and the HCL comes in contact with the base material.

If the base material is steel with a thin layer of copper between the steel and chrome you should be OK. The copper/steel will take some time to dissolve. Once the chrome has dissolved you should have enough time to remove the parts before this happens.

Aluminum is a different story. Aluminum is very reactive in HCL. A small piece of aluminum will completely dissolve in HCL in a matter of minutes. BTW, this is a neat process to observe.

If you have access to HCL solution you could try doing it yourself. Just be very careful with acids, and follow safety precautions.
 
#17
zac2944 said:
Removing chrome is usually done with a strong HCL solution (30%-50%). Problems arise when the chrome layer has been removed and the HCL comes in contact with the base material.

If the base material is steel with a thin layer of copper between the steel and chrome you should be OK. The copper/steel will take some time to dissolve. Once the chrome has dissolved you should have enough time to remove the parts before this happens.

Aluminum is a different story. Aluminum is very reactive in HCL. A small piece of aluminum will completely dissolve in HCL in a matter of minutes. BTW, this is a neat process to observe.

If you have access to HCL solution you could try doing it yourself. Just be very careful with acids, and follow safety precautions.
Click to expand...

That's what I was looking for. Thanks :D
 

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