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Stripping chrome to restore authenticity
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I have a question or two regarding chrome removal. We have a full machine shop and recently I aquired some rifle barrels. Unfortunately these WWII bareels were chrome plated on the lugs located on the discharge end of the barrells There are three square spots approximately 1/2" x 1" long on each barrel which are chrome plated for reasons I won't get into. I need to remove this and would prefer a muratic acid method. I have researched this process but can't find out how I tell when the chrome is gone. Someone said to wait until the bubbling action stops, but will not the metal barrell also bubble as it is corroded away?
How do I tell when process is complete?
Thank you,
Thomas
Thomas Smith- Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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The attack should slow dramatically when the chrome is gone, such that "wait until the bubbling stops" may not be as puzzling as you think. However, I would never practice on an item of value like this. Further, you did not say whether there is nickel under the chrome or not. Take them to a plating shop.
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 Ted Mooney, P.E. RET finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |
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The gun barrel is a hardened high strength steel. You will get some hydrogen embrittlement from muriatic acid [linked by editor to product info at Amazon]. The barrel needs to be stress relieved immediately after the strip at 350F for 4 hours. Otherwise it is subject to eventual failure if fired enough times.
James Watts- Navarre, Florida