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How to remove flash chrome from stainless steel parts
I restore car parts, specifically bezels and grills. is there a way to remove flash chrome from stainless chemically? I have heard about using muriatic acid
⇦ on
eBay or
Amazon [affil link] , then neutralizing the solution with baking soda [in bulk on
eBay
or
Amazon [affil link]
for safe disposal. I have been buffing it off, but it's a long process. I am also concerned that the acid will damage the stainless, and also if the used solution once neutralized, is a haz-mat.
thank you
restoration shop - Norwalk, Connecticut, USA
February 1, 2008
Gary,
Brush plating suppliers have the equipment and chemicals to make it easy to back strip a chrome flash. There should be nickel under the chrome, if the base metal is stainless steel. You can strip parts with the wand with very little chemical waste generated. I would use a catch basin of poly pro or pvc for containment. You will want to check with local authorities regarding the storage of the chrome strip solution, even though there will be small amounts of it. Good Luck!
Process Engineer - Syracuse, New York
February 6, 2008
Try 50 % Hcl
Francis Liex chemist - Birmingham, UK
February 12, 2008
Unless it's a Delorean, I doubt your parts are made of stainless steel. You should use a reverse current alkaline strip solution..
George Brackett III- Saco, ME, USA
February 15, 2008
Actually, George, they probably are stainless. I don't know if it's common anymore, but a lot of exterior trim in years past was stainless steel with a flash of chromium plating (not decorative nickel-chrome, just chrome).
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
Ted is available for instant help
or longer-term assistance.
February 18, 2008
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