Removing chrome

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Nov 21st, '06, 12:46

You guys have all kinds of great advise for stripping various finishes. So any good ideas for getting rid of chrome on bronze hardware? I have used a wire wheel on some stuff that was mostly gone anyway but it would not be a good method for removing even moderately healthy chrome. Heat, chemicals, acid anything that would eat chrome without destroying the bronze underneath? Sand blasting comes to mind but I have very limited experience with it. If this is the way to go, what kind of grit would be best? Chrome just doesn't work on our boats, Steve.

dasein668 · Post by **dasein668** » Nov 21st, '06, 13:05

Check your local yellow pages for metal finishers, chroming shops etc. (You might check with the local custom motorcycle shop and find out who they use.) This isn't something you want to do yourself, imo.

A metal finishing shop will strip the old chrome (and nickel tie-coat if there is one) using an electrolysis process. The by-products are extremely nasty (Highly carcinogenic hexavalent chromium, for example.)

Good luck.

tartansailor · Post by **tartansailor** » Nov 21st, '06, 19:58

Concentrated nitric would be the best, followed by fuming sulphuric, but for practical purposes the muriatic found in a Lowe's Garden center would work, only much slower; you may, or may not like the resultant color.
You
must wear goggles and rubber gloves.
Dick

Dick Barthel · Post by **Dick Barthel** » Nov 21st, '06, 20:50

dasein668 wrote:Check your local yellow pages for metal finishers, chroming shops etc. (You might check with the local custom motorcycle shop and find out who they use.) This isn't something you want to do yourself, imo.

Steve's post reminds me of one of my to do's: The 25D has a hollow chrome plated cylinder that is inserted in the cabin sole for a table post. Mine is badly corroded and in need of replating.

Nathan or anyone: what can I expect to pay to have my table post replated?

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Nov 22nd, '06, 07:51

The electrolysis process sounds like it would be more likely to remove only the chrome. The acid idea is appealing to the "get it done" side of myself. Any idea of just how long it would take to remove damaged chrome? Would I immerse an entire ensign socket in an acid bath? That would seem reasonable. A winch barrel might not be a do it yourself task. It seems like some experimentation would be in order. For larger projects the metal finisher would be the way to go. What do you do with undiluted acid with chromium in solution? I could start my own little EPA site with a mixture like that, Steve.

tartansailor · Post by **tartansailor** » Nov 22nd, '06, 08:15

Very slowly pour it into a container containing concentrated lime till neutral pH is achieved. Now you have salt water. bmail me your address if you can't find pH paper to determine end point.
I would use a cheap polyester brush for the acid to keep it away from the brass as much as possible.
Dick

Cedat Fortuna Peritas

Ron M. · Post by **Ron M.** » Nov 22nd, '06, 09:39

Steve,
I've had good luck using glass beads to clean a variety of metals. You don't have to worry as much about 'burning through' thin material. The glass beads actually peen the surface.They are available in different sizes/grits.
I cleaned all of my ports and hatches a few years ago this way including a chromed fog bell that is now brass.
This worked good for me: I got a refrigerator box and cut a door and 2 windows. With duct tape fix thin plexiglass like material over holes and you've got a disposable sandblasting booth for about $20. The beads can be recycled and reused many times.
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Removing chrome

Removing chrome

Acid

Cost?

Safe, Proper Disposal of Acids

In the fridge