Removing Chrome

TriodeLuvr · 09-12-2013, 12:30 AM

I need to remove the chrome plating from my steel windshield posts so I can have them primered. I've read that lye (sodium hydroxide) will dissolve chrome but not steel. Has anyone here tried using lye for this?

Jack

old round fart · 09-12-2013, 12:34 AM

I think I would just rough up the chrome with 400 grit on a DA and paint over the chrome.

3quarter32 · 09-12-2013, 07:17 AM

I have had small pieces such as that bead blasted, then painted with no problems. Also, a plater can reverse part of the plating process and remove it. As long and there is no peeling in the plating, the first process should work just fine. Johns idea should work too I think, again, as long as there is no peeling of the chrome.
Lee

TriodeLuvr · 09-12-2013, 08:18 AM

These posts have been reshaped on a grinder, and the chrome has flaked in several areas. They need to be stripped. I know it can be done using sodium hydroxide and an electric current, but that produces a nasty solution containing hexavalent chromium. I was hoping that simply soaking them in lye might loosen the chrome without actually dissolving it into solution. Oh well, maybe I'll just send them out while I work on other parts of the project.

3quarter32 · 09-12-2013, 10:52 AM

Never thought about lye, but what ya got to lose. Are they steel or pot metal? If steel, maybe high speed sanding disc, and trying various grits. I know you said steel in first post, but thought that could be just figure of speech.
Lee

09-12-2013, 12:30 AM	#1
TriodeLuvr 1st Gear Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 27	Removing Chrome I need to remove the chrome plating from my steel windshield posts so I can have them primered. I've read that lye (sodium hydroxide) will dissolve chrome but not steel. Has anyone here tried using lye for this? Jack Last edited by TriodeLuvr; 09-12-2013 at 12:44 AM..

09-12-2013, 07:17 AM	#3
3quarter32 4th Gear Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 284	I have had small pieces such as that bead blasted, then painted with no problems. Also, a plater can reverse part of the plating process and remove it. As long and there is no peeling in the plating, the first process should work just fine. Johns idea should work too I think, again, as long as there is no peeling of the chrome. Lee __________________ If it ain't chopped, it ain't mine..

09-12-2013, 10:52 AM	#5
3quarter32 4th Gear Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Posts: 284	Never thought about lye, but what ya got to lose. Are they steel or pot metal? If steel, maybe high speed sanding disc, and trying various grits. I know you said steel in first post, but thought that could be just figure of speech. Lee __________________ If it ain't chopped, it ain't mine..

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09-12-2013, 12:34 AM	#2
old round fart 2nd Gear Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 78	I think I would just rough up the chrome with 400 grit on a DA and paint over the chrome.

09-12-2013, 08:18 AM	#4
TriodeLuvr 1st Gear Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 27	These posts have been reshaped on a grinder, and the chrome has flaked in several areas. They need to be stripped. I know it can be done using sodium hydroxide and an electric current, but that produces a nasty solution containing hexavalent chromium. I was hoping that simply soaking them in lye might loosen the chrome without actually dissolving it into solution. Oh well, maybe I'll just send them out while I work on other parts of the project.