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plating, anodizing, & finishing Q&As since 1989




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Chrome removal from aluminum wheels

2005

I'm a powder coater and frequently encounter aluminum wheels with peeling chrome that the customer wishes to powder coat. We abrasion blast the wheels with the bad chrome coming completely off and a good profile on the tightly bonded chrome. This, however, leaves a noticeable edge between the chrome and no-chrome area which is noticeable after coating. For a first class job we epoxy fill and wet sand the area before coating but this is labor intensive.

What is the best way to electrolytically de-chrome without damaging the aluminum?

Larry Johnson
- Key West, Florida

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2005

Reverse electroplating, most any chrome shop should be able to reverse the plating process and strip the wheel properly, without damage to the alloy.

Dave Barr
- Centralia, Washington, U.S.