Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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How to strip electroplated chrome off a bicycle

2004

Hi,

I have a 1999 trek bmx subhead bicycle and I think it has been electroplated with chrome on the frame but on the handle bars some chrome is chipping so I think the handlebars are dipped in chrome. I have sanded the frame for a total of 4 hours with 320-grit sandpaper [affil links] and all I made it look like was dull but I took it to a bike shop and they said all I did was (roughen) it. The frame is still very smooth but looks rough. I tried painting it with this special primer that is supposed to stick but it chips off and scratches off very easy. I need help on it. I have heard that hydrochloric acid would get it off but I am not sure so this is why I am here.

Thank you if you can help me.

David Spencer
student - woodinville, Washington, USA

320 is a good rough sandpaper, 1000-grit sandpaper [affil links] will take out most the scratches. The frame itself might be aluminum, see if a magnet will stick to it. If it will you can polish it. The forks are chrome plated. So you'll have to paint them or touch up paint them with a chrome colored paint. The 1000 grit may remove most of the deep scratches and will allow a metal polish like Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish [on eBay or Amazon] to be used for a high shine. Sand in the direction of the frame and hold the sandpaper parallel.An epoxy paint should stick to the forks like glue.Make sure you clean the parts your painting with a solvent like paint thinner to remove any contaminates. This can help the paint stick.

John Lerch
- Peoria, Illinois, USA
2006