removing electrolplate from parts

[jpolacchi]

Anyone know how to strip the electroplated chrome off of kit parts? A long time ago I seem to remember reading that if you soak the parts in bleach that it strips the plating off. Is that the best way or is there another way?

[Saturn]

Castrol Super Clean automotive degreaser is what I used. But Castrol divested and I think it's just called SuperClean now. Reportedly, the formula is not the same. CSC was pretty caustic stuff. (it will eat almuminum, but will not damage styrene) CSC was the only thing that could take chrome *and* the cream yellow undercoat that Tamiya kits had.

Lye-based Oven Cleaner works in a pinch- but usually takes longer.

[Sluis Van Shipyards]

I haven't tried it, but I remember someone saying Coke will strip chrome off.

[seam-filler]

I haven't tried it, but I remember someone saying Coke will strip chrome off.

Yes it does, but it doesn't always remove the undercoat. It's an overnight job, but a lot less toxic than almost anything else. Use regular Coke - none of that diet, low or zero calorie swill - I've found they just don't work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-cNTb_KeCY

[Rocketeer]

ScaleCoat Paint Remover will remove the aluminum layer and the clear conductive layer under the aluminum.

[jpolacchi]

Really? And it doesn't mess up the plastic parts? I just have a bunch of chrome parts I wants to strip. I think it be better than just painting over the chrome I.M.O. Where can I find it? So far I'm not really getting any hits on who has it?

[seam-filler]

ScaleCoat Paint Remover will remove the aluminum layer and the clear conductive layer under the aluminum.

Except that ScaleCoat went out of business at the beginning of the year. Model railroaders have been moaning about it for months.

[jpolacchi]

Would the Revell paint stripper work just as good? Y/N?

[Wug]

I'm with Saturn. If you want to remove everything down to the bare plastic. SuperClean is the way to go. Bleach will remove the plating and probably leave the undercoat, if there is any, on the part.

[jpolacchi]

Okay, so pass on the Reveal paint stripper? It's not like you get a lot of it anyway. It's maybe a 1oz. bottle? I should be able to find the Super Clean at Ace Hardware.

[EVApodman]

I used brake fluid. Let it soak for several days and then brush the loose chrome with a toothbrush. Even so it took me several soakings and brushings and working with a toothpick to remove all of it.

[jpolacchi]

Brake fluid is super caustic. I know others who use it as a paint stripper. Never thought it would remove electroplating.