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-----How do we remove chrome from wheels
Q. I was wondering if there is a product or chemical that would take the chrome off of wheels?
Erin MedskerAutomotive - Mason City, Iowa, USA
2003
A. Muriatic acid will quickly remove the chrome. However, you probably really mean to ask what will remove the chrome and the nickel. See, what laymen call 'chrome' plating is actually a few millionths of an inch of chromium on top of a hundred times as much nickel plating [see our "Chrome Plating Tutorial"]. After the chrome is gone it will still look pretty much the same to the untrained eye.
You can't get the nickel off yourself; it requires toxic chemicals and you need to send the wheels to a plating shop which can exercise responsible management of the chemicals and waste products in an industrial environment by trained operators.
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2003
A. Shame, shame Ted! Haven't I taught you anything? All nickel strippers are NOT toxic! The rest of your advice, however, is right on target. Metal removal is NOT a DIY home project.
Gayle CoffeyMetalx Specialty Products / Ronatec
Fallbrook, California
2003
It's not your fault, Gayle, I'm just a slow learner :-)
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Need quick confidential answers? $25
Need project assistance? $100/hr.
2003
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Ted Mooney is retiring but I have several offers to take it over.
We're working hard to make sure we find it the best new home.