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Is there a way to remove chrome plating from aluminum at home?

I have some boat parts made of aluminum. Some cast, some extruded, that had been chrome plated. The chrome is flaking off. Is there a way to strip the chrome off so I can then polish the pieces? Thanks to all who reply.

Chris Cook
Restoration Hobbyist - Incline Village, NV, Good ol\' USA!
2007

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Try 1 part water and 1 part hydrochloric acid(concentrated)-bare metal surfaces must be masked with wax or lacquer.Use rubber gloves ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] and safety googles ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] !
Hope it helps and good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2007

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First of two simultaneous responses -- 2007

The topmost chrome layer is so thin that it is unlikely to be flaking off. It's the underlying nickel which is flaking, probably due to corrosion of the underlying aluminum. A plating shop could remove the nickel by deplating in dilute sulfuric acid, but you may find the aluminum itself is damaged from corrosion.

Hydrochloric acid is not a good idea. It will remove the thin chrome layer, but not the nickel, and it will attack the aluminum at any exposed areas.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina

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Second of two simultaneous responses --

I would try something else first before the hydrochloric since it attacks aluminum very fast. Your chances are that if that chrome was deposited in a decorative sequence it has a bright nickel undercoat and perhaps copper too. These two metals are dissolved by nitric acid which DOES NOT APPRECIABLY attack aluminum. The final chrome top coat (where thee's still something left) will tend to resist the nitric but, over time, the acid will reach through the chrome pores and cracks. The worst scenario would be it didn't strip nice and clean but you will not ruin the substrate. On the other hand nitric is very nasty and more dangerous that hydrochloric. Anyway, remember you will end up with toxic waste that must be handled carefully and not be discarded through the drainage.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2007