Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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How do I remove the chrome from my wheels

Does anyone know how I can get the chrome taken off my 20" WHEELS and re-plated with a more matte finish.

Thanks,

SCOTT COHEN
hobbyist - ROCKY HILL, Connecticut, USA
2004

Here's what I want to do:

I would like to paint nickel chromed aluminum car wheels. I have heard that the paint may not adhere properly over chrome. Besides mechanical removal of the plating can I dip the wheels in a solution of ammonia? I have access to concentrated ammonia [on eBay or Amazon] used in making engineering blue prints. Also what effect would the ammonia have on the tires? Should I have the tires removed. Being a do-it-yourselfer I would like to try this (outdoors of course!). I am, however safety and environmentally conscious and if this is not safe or environmentally friendly I will use a mechanical method of removing the chrome i.e. sanding or grinding.

Thank you,

Chris Adamski
homeowner - Hammond, Indiana, USA
2004

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2004

Scott, whatever plating shop you choose to plate a duller finish can also strip the existing finish.

To my knowledge ammonia will not strip either chrome or nickel, Chris. Hydrochloric acid will strip chrome, but you would need a proprietary process to strip the nickel. If you don't want to bring them to a plating shop, then abrasive blasting is probably the best idea.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

One more question that I have: Once the chrome is removed can I successfully paint the nickel that is underneath.

Christopher Adamski
- Hammond, IN, USA
2004

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It can probably be painted about as successfully, adhesion-wise, as bare steel can be painted. In an industrial OEM setting, steel would be phosphatized for a good "key" (and for other reasons). A hobbyist probably would not phosphatize. When you paint onto nickel plating I think you can get a reasonably good 'consumer quality' bond, but not a saleable quality one. A powder coating shop could blast the nickel to give it some tooth though.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

I have chrome plated steel running boards on my truck. The plating is starting to peel and rust underneath. What is the least expensive or easiest way to remove the plating without damaging the base material. I will paint afterwords.

Larry Monroe
hobbyist - Taylor, Michigan, USA
2004