De-Chroming?

[86_SR5]

Hey everyone. I was just wondering, what do you usually use to remove chrome plating from plastic? I'm asking, because I need to strip the chrom from the ITR's exhaust system, it's gona be a dark silver. Thanks.

[willimo]

I use Easy Off Oven Cleaner. It is an amazingly caustic degreaser. It will pull the chrome clean off, quickly too. It leaves the smooth laquer undercoat, though, so you must prime the newly dechromed parts before painting. I know other people use something less caustic, but I've forgotten what it was.

[gasman03]

either CSC (Castrol Super Clean) or good old Windex window cleaner, both work great

[86_SR5]

I've got some windex on hand, should I just spray it on, or do I soak the exhaust in the windex? I really don't want to use the oven degreaser, stinks, and chokes the hell outa me.

[p9o1r1sche]

Sometimes Formula 409 works. You gotta soak the parts in it for at least 20 minutes. At first it looks like nothing is happening, but then suddenly, the chrome is gone. This doesnt work on all chrome plating. If this didnt work, I used Easyoff.

[gasman03]

soak it, it'll take a day or two

[86_SR5]

Originally Posted by willimo

I use Easy Off Oven Cleaner. It is an amazingly caustic degreaser. It will pull the chrome clean off, quickly too. It leaves the smooth laquer undercoat, though, so you must prime the newly dechromed parts before painting. I know other people use something less caustic, but I've forgotten what it was.

wilimo, I figure if the windex will take a day or two, how long will the oven degreaser take? How do I work it, spray it on, soat it? Thanks.

[lotus_man]

I'd go with one of - CSC, Dot5.1 brake fluid, oven cleaner or good old fashioned bleach

[ProSStreet]

I use Easy off, to get the clear undercoat off just let it soak for about 3 hours. You can do it in a tupperware outside if the smell bothers you

[dag65]

CSC and it will come off in under a half hour

[Hiroboy]

I use bleach and it's off in 1/2 - 3/4 hour

[86_SR5]

Thanks guys. I gave it a shot on a spare 40's smoothie rim that was chromed, and the easy-off took it off in under 15 minutes. It seems the exhaust is taking a little longer than expected. I inspect the part every 15 minutes, coming clean slowly but surely. Thanks for your feedback and interests.

[robrex]

I use Draino, simply put the crystals into a clean jar with some water and drop the chrome parts in. It takes about 5 minutes to strip the chrome. The stuff has great shelf life so just put the lid back on the jar and stick it on your shelf until next time. Make sure you label the bottle though.