aerofan Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 As the title says, is there a way of removing chrome from plastic without losing the detail underneath it? I maybe wrong but I've heard to dunk the part in a tub of brake fluid. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zeus60 Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 I think I've also heard that soaking them in Coca-Cola for a while will do the trick. Haven't tried it myself though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hawkeye's Hobbies Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Simple. Soak in this: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Julien (UK) Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Oven cleaner (the caustic sort) will work. I dont know the brands where you are but in the UK Mr Musle works well. Julien Quote Link to post Share on other sites
David Walker Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Bleach is suppose to work. I've never tried it however. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bullitt3980 Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 I've used bleach and Castrol Super Clean with success Quote Link to post Share on other sites
snarlyq Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 Oven cleaner (the caustic sort) will work. I dont know the brands where you are but in the UK Mr Musle works well.Julien Yep, works like a charm... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Huey Gunner Posted January 16, 2008 Share Posted January 16, 2008 I have used "E-Z off" oven cleaner for this. But use it outside. :blink: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MickeyThickey Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Oven cleaner, brake fluid, SuperClean, SImple Green, bleach, ammonia, isopropyl alcohol... lots of stuff will strip chrome. The bigger problem is stripping the glaze *under* the chrome. Chrome is never plated over bare plastic, it's applied over a glossy clear base. Which can be tough to get rid of. The weaker items listed above will strip away the chrome, no problems (and I wouldn't be shocked if Coke did too). To strip the clear coat underneath though, you'll need oven cleaner/brake fluid/SuperClean or a similar, powerful stripper. That being said, if it's, say, Tamiya chrome, you can probably get away with *just* stripping the chrome. The base is thin and doesn't obscure the details. If it's AMT chrome, which usually has a thick, ugly glaze (I once had a kit with drips and runs that were chrome plated ), you'll definately want to go back to bare plastic. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
zeus60 Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Here's an earlier thread on this topic. It mentions some other solutions. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Grant in West Oz Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Repeating my recommendation for Draino. I made a mix last year it lives still in a large screw-top plastic bottle. still rips chrome and the underlying lacquer as well as paint. G Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mlicari Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Repeating my recommendation for Draino. I made a mix last year it lives still in a large screw-top plastic bottle. still rips chrome and the underlying lacquer as well as paint. G With a few "chrome plated" kits in the stash myself, can you describe the "mix" you made and the process you use (how long of a soak, and then what?) Thanks! :o Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MikeV Posted January 17, 2008 Share Posted January 17, 2008 Repeating my recommendation for Draino. I made a mix last year it lives still in a large screw-top plastic bottle. still rips chrome and the underlying lacquer as well as paint. G Draino contains the same ingredient as E-Z Off oven cleaner......Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), aka Lye. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
aerofan Posted January 17, 2008 Author Share Posted January 17, 2008 The bigger problem is stripping the glaze *under* the chrome. Chrome is never plated over bare plastic, it's applied over a glossy clear base. Which can be tough to get rid of. The weaker items listed above will strip away the chrome, no problems (and I wouldn't be shocked if Coke did too). To strip the clear coat underneath though, you'll need oven cleaner/brake fluid/SuperClean or a similar, powerful stripper.That being said, if it's, say, Tamiya chrome, you can probably get away with *just* stripping the chrome. The base is thin and doesn't obscure the details. If it's AMT chrome, which usually has a thick, ugly glaze (I once had a kit with drips and runs that were chrome plated ), you'll definately want to go back to bare plastic. I didn't know that. Since I have Easy Off, I'll try that. Maybe the Mythbusters should have tried stripping chrome off plastic in their 'using Coke/Soda pop as a cleaner' episode. I have Soda pop too but I think I'll drink it instead of using to remove the chrome. Thanks guys for you help. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Grant in West Oz Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 Draino contains the same ingredient as E-Z Off oven cleaner......Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), aka Lye. As a dry ingredient, I can make the mix as strong as I require or as weak as E-Z Off. (Mr Muscle in Oz) To get the lacquer off, make strong. G Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FlyingSnowmew Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 I'll second Hawkeye. Westley's Bleche Wite works great and isn't extremely caustic like NaOH which can burn your hands through gloves if you aren't careful. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Grant in West Oz Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 I'll second Hawkeye. Westley's Bleche Wite works great and isn't extremely caustic like NaOH which can burn your hands through gloves if you aren't careful. Through gloves? G Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueNosers352nd Posted January 19, 2008 Share Posted January 19, 2008 Another vote for EZ Off.............the original stuff, not the tree hugger variety. And work in a well ventilated area. I just turn my spray booth exhaust fan on and spray into a big Tupperware tub I have. Fumes get exhausted outside. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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