The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
  

  -----

Removing nickel and repairing decorative chrome plating

2004

Hello,

I have problems removing nickel from a certain product made both out of iron and copper. It's iron welded together with some copper based alloy. I would need to remove it quickly and as cheap as possible not to damage the original surface. Also need info about a good Ni - strike for dechromed nickel surface and how to deplate the chrome (I do it with HCl). In both cases the original product is deco-chrome plated.

Thanks for all answers.

Dimitrije Stopar
plating engineer - Maribor, Styria, Slovenia

To strip nickel from steel, copper or aluminum the following is common knowledge (hope this is O.K. Ted). Anodic treatment in 600 mL/L sulfuric acid at room temp, 6 V using lead anodes (Glycerine or copper sulphate ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] is commonly added to reduce risk of pitting). In you case having two different metals welded together makes it a challenge.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2004

---

Thanks Guillermo. Anything that is either common knowledge or comes from someone we know is fine. The problem that sometimes arises is people offering detailed formulas but identifying themselves only with a free disposable e-mail address; then we have to worry if they are trying to blow a former employer's secrets :-)

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

Thank you Guillermo. Any information helps me very much. What may be common knowledge for some, may be unknown for someone else.

Dimitrije Stopar
plating - Maribor, Styria, Slovenia
2004

---

2005

We want to find out an easy way of deplating nickel coating (40 micron) An anodic treatment of sulfuric acid with 6 V using lead anodes was suggested earlier, however I need more details.

In addition would you please let me know how to provide health and safety rules, any gases coming out might cause big problems

Thanks

Nesligul Wagner
plating - Istanbul, Turkey