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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Removing gold plating from electric guitar parts

2006

Hello, my name is Chris Paterson and I am a student in Scotland.
I have recently purchased an old Epiphone electric guitar that I am very pleased about. It's a great guitar, but, it has gold hardware, my preference is to have either chrome or nickel. I was wondering if there was anything that could remove the gold from the guitar parts to leave them looking like nickel. Any home products or something I could easily find on the internet or local store.
Thanks
(I am not sure if I am making much sense but hopefully someone can help me out.)

Christopher Paterson Jr.
None - Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland

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Hello Christopher,
It might be easier to have the gold stripped by means of a brush plating strip. A plating shop in your area may do brush plating, you would have to inquire. There is most likely nickel under the gold. I would not recommend you try gold stripping at home, nor are there any safe home remedies. Good Luck!

Mark Baker
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
2006