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Stripping Pitted Chrome from Aluminum Car Wheels

I have two chrome wheels that are pitting. The other two are fine right now. I was trying to find out if I could strip the 4 wheels at home or if I would need to take them somewhere else. I don't think these wheels were dipped for the chroming process because the whole one-piece wheel isn't chrome. It looks like a spray-on chrome. I heard that sandblasting could roughen the wheels to the point of not being able to be polished. My goal is to strip the wheels, polish the lips and paint the rest of the wheel. However, since two wheels are fine for now, I may consider a re-chrome. Which way would be more cost effective?

Isiah Williams
hobbyist - Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA
2006

I have the same problem I have only one wheel that is peeling what should I do? Should I re-chrome that one, if so will it match the rest?

April Lower
- Eatonton, Georgia, US
2007

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Unfortunately, rechroming a single aluminum wheel (or even a set) will probably cost more than replacement. Re-chroming is a complicated process (see our Chrome Plating Tutorial).

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2007

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