Removing chrome?

motorboy2011, Mar 10, 6:23am
I have some chromed motorbike mudguards, what's the easiest way to remove it to get to the bare metal underneath?

kazbanz, Mar 10, 6:35am
There is no EASY way to remove chrome.
if its a metal part then taking it to a chrome plater is the only way I'm aware of.

tamarillo, Mar 10, 6:37am
DiP them. Used to be called acid dip, a chrome plater can do it as they remove old chrome first.

grangies, Mar 10, 7:39am
Chrome can be painted over, if sanded properly and the appropriate etch primer is used.

motorboy2011, Mar 10, 7:52am
I want remove it as I want to get a rough sanded look, that's then sealed to stop it rusting. Example being this fuel cap cover and headlight which I did the front ring on.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j35/spinnanz1/cx500/IMAG1685_zpswqggnoi7.jpg http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j35/spinnanz1/cx500/IMAG1694_zpswzqd9yn5.jpg
http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j35/spinnanz1/cx500/IMAG1450_zpssyb0czvk.jpg

grangies, Mar 10, 7:55am
80 grit sand paper on a D.A sander, plus plenty of patience will get it off.

motorboy2011, Mar 10, 8:05am
Sounds like I'm off to buy some elbow grease! Cheers for the info above!

tony9, Mar 10, 8:15am
Bunnings have Hydrochloric Acid. Not sure of the concentration, but 30% HCL will dissolve and remove Chrome plating.

gmphil, Mar 10, 8:20am
twisted wire wheel u put on angle grinder

thefatfj, Mar 10, 11:24am
BECAREFUL IF REMOVING WITH WIRE WHEEL OR SANDING DISC take to plater, they reverse the plating process,

grangies, Mar 10, 12:11pm
BE CAREFUL of what?

motorboy2011, Mar 10, 1:20pm
I've tried removing with a 3m sanding wheel and a wire wheel. It would work but id need a few weeks to get it finished! Acid or visiting a chrome plater looks to be the ticket.

kazbanz, Mar 10, 2:26pm
sorry dude --honest injun ^^^^^ follow my advice. Chrome just aint nice stuff to be playing with

lookoutas, Mar 10, 4:42pm
Do what kaz sez.

joanie32, Mar 10, 7:17pm
Flap disc or 36 grit sanding disc is the only diy way.

nzjay, Mar 11, 7:53am
Other health problems that are caused by chromium(VI) are:

- Skin rashes
- Upset stomachs and ulcers
- Respiratory problems
- Weakened immune systems
- Kidney and liver damage
- Alteration of genetic material
- Lung cancer
- Death

Read more: http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/cr.htm#ixzz3TvLW2Osx

nzjay, Mar 11, 7:54am
The safe way is taking it to a plater who remove it by reverse electrolysis

motorboy2011, Mar 11, 2:03pm
Safe. Plastic container $4.90, 5l hydrochloric acid $35. Now if I run a little bit of current through that, surely it will electro-whatever remove itself safely and with little effort?

elect70, Mar 11, 2:10pm
Blardy cjhromers want almost as much to dechrome as to chrome , say its the power consumption but they dont do parts individually they wait for a full load . cost me $ 120 to dechrome set of alloy rims but only $100 to powder coat .

kazbanz, Mar 12, 5:07pm
elect---Theres another issue you might not be aware of.
contamination.-It plays havoc with the chemical baths and costs a fair bit to remove

elect70, Mar 12, 7:24pm
^ yeah but they recover the nickel $

skin1235, May 4, 10:05am