Summary for handgun dechroming Discussion
Handgun dechroming is the core issue here: Earl Lergner asked how to safely return a chromed Korean War-era .45 Colt 1911 to its original state, believing the chrome sits over a nickel base. The answer given was blunt: you cannot remove nickel with any common chemical. The responder suggested that a proprietary stripper from a supplier such as Metalx (Ronatec.us) might work, but said the better and safer approach is to take the gun to a plating shop for professional stripping. The advice is cautious because the thread does not describe a do-it-yourself method that is guaranteed to work on nickel under chrome, and the firearm’s value and condition could be affected by improper stripping. Overall, the discussion points toward professional removal rather than home dechroming.
Q. I have just purchased a Korean War .45 cal 1911 Colt handgun from an estate! This weapon was chromed by the previous owner and I believe the chroming has a nickel base! I want to return this handgun to it’s original state and have no experience in dechroming! Could you please advise me on the best & safest process to de-chrome this handgun!
Earl Lergner
hobbyist – Rochester, New York, USA
2004
A. You cannot remove the nickel with any common chemical. You may be able to buy a proprietary stripper from a supplier like Metalx (Ronatec.us) [a finishing.com supporting advertiser], but a better approach may be to take the gun to a plating shop for stripping. Good luck.
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