The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing since 1989
-----

How to remove chrome plating--formulation of remover/stripper

I just wondering,whether anybody can assist me to remove the chrome plating of metal parts, what I need is the formulation of chrome plating stripper.

thanks a lot

Daniel Herman S Suhendra
- Jakarta, Dki, Indonesia
2004

---

The easiest formulation is simply muriatic (hydrochloric) acid, Daniel. Unfortunately, your question is cast in a rather abstract fashion, such that I really can't tell whether this answer will be helpful to you or just misleading. Please describe your situation, or good luck with whatever it is you are going to try to do :-)

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

---

Hi there...
The chrome on the original (I think) fixtures on an old pedestal sink (20s/30s?) I have is worn off in many places. I think they may be brass underneath--is there a way to safely remove this old chrome (really, it doesn't look like nickel) and rehab them as brass fixtures?
Thank you!
Lisa

Lisa Tune
- California
2006

---

Hello, Lisa. Decorative chrome is never applied directly onto brass; it's always nickel plating plus chrome plating. So it may not look like nickel, due to the color imparted by the chrome, but the nickel plating is there. It is probably possible to remove the remaining plating with sandpaper, then buff up the brass and lacquer it, or apply a patina to it. But it would be easier and more professional to send it to a plating shop for those operations. Good luck.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006