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Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

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Chromium Stripper

A friend of mine has a brass gumball machine that is coated in Chrome. The Chrome is peeling and he wants to strip it. What chemical should be used to strip Chromium from brass?

Charles Gates
- Prineville, OR US
2000

A dilute solution of hydrochloric acid will remove the chromium, but you will find that the few millionths of an inch of chromium is over an electroplate of nickel of some 0.0001 odd inches, which won't be removed so easily. Removal of this nickel will require special solutions, then the brass will probably need polishing and/or replating. Then, any value as an antique will have been lost.

The peeling is not of the chromium, but of the nickel layer. See www.finishing.com/Shops for companies who specialize in the so called "street trade" who could refinish your machine if the toy is worth several hundred dollars. Otherwise you will not find it worthwhile. Regards, Tom

Tom Pullizzi
Falls Township, Pennsylvania
2000

Are there any color for anodize ( MIL-A-8625 / MIL-PRF-8625 [on DLA] Type III Class 2 )? Or just only black? Thanks!

Tony Hwa
- New York
2002

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