_GOTOBOTTOM
Modeling in General: Advice on...
Need some general advice? Place it here.
Hosted by Jim Starkweather
Removing Chrome Plating
HeavyArty
Visit this Community
Florida, United States
Member Since: May 16, 2002
entire network: 17,694 Posts
KitMaker Network: 1,968 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 11:51 AM UTC
What is the best way to remove chrome from plated parts? I have thought about using oven cleaner like I have for paint, but not sure if it will work and I don't want to damage the parts. I have also heard brake fluid works. Any ideas?
Tony_Frey
Visit this Community
Missouri, United States
Member Since: May 03, 2003
entire network: 272 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 12:06 PM UTC
I know it's smelly and comparatively slow, but I've always used white vinegar. Sometimes takes a couple of days, but I've never had any problems w/ the plastic, and no health concerns (unless you are allergic to vinegar).

Can't remember the name of the stuff, but there is a whitewall tire cleaner brand that supposedly works, too. HTH
Sabot
Member Since: December 18, 2001
entire network: 12,596 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,557 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 12:12 PM UTC
I use Fume free Easy Off oven cleaner. Has never damaged parts, and I've even used it to remove chrome from an old MPC R2-D2 kit.

I put the parts in a zip lock freezer bag and spray the Easy Off into the bag, trying to cover all the parts. Shake it up a little bit and leave it overnight. Carefully remove it and then wash with dishwashing detergent and an old toothbrush. Pick out the crevices with a sharp toothpick.
TwistedFate
Visit this Community
Virginia, United States
Member Since: February 11, 2003
entire network: 805 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 12:59 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Can't remember the name of the stuff, but there is a whitewall tire cleaner brand that supposedly works, too. HTH


Castrol Super Clean. And it does work. It will strip paint too.
Tony_Frey
Visit this Community
Missouri, United States
Member Since: May 03, 2003
entire network: 272 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 01:53 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Castrol Super Clean. And it does work. It will strip paint too.


Will that work on enamels and acrylics?
viper29_ca
Visit this Community
New Brunswick, Canada
Member Since: October 18, 2002
entire network: 2,247 Posts
KitMaker Network: 718 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 02:49 PM UTC
Although Castrol Super Clean or Easy Off is probably alot easier on the health. Straight ammonia that you can buy at the grocery store will strip it off....just immerse it in a pan or rubbermade or tupperware container....about a day and the chrome is gone...just dissolves.
TwistedFate
Visit this Community
Virginia, United States
Member Since: February 11, 2003
entire network: 805 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 04:38 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Will that work on enamels and acrylics?


Can't say for a fact. I've used it for acrylics, and I've been told it works for enamel too, but I haven't had to strip enamel yet.
HeavyArty
Visit this Community
Florida, United States
Member Since: May 16, 2002
entire network: 17,694 Posts
KitMaker Network: 1,968 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 04:39 PM UTC
Thanks all. Should be strippin' soon.
TwistedFate
Visit this Community
Virginia, United States
Member Since: February 11, 2003
entire network: 805 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 07:10 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Thanks all. Should be strippin' soon.


Will I need dollar bills for that??
RotorHead67
Visit this Community
Virginia, United States
Member Since: May 07, 2003
entire network: 1,174 Posts
KitMaker Network: 161 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 10:50 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Can't remember the name of the stuff, but there is a whitewall tire cleaner brand that supposedly works, too. HTH


Castrol Super Clean. And it does work. It will strip paint too.


TwistedFate:
CLOSE but no cigar. The whitewall cleaner is called Whestley's Bleechwhite.
It works like a champ. I have a rubbermade clear container 14x16x6 that I pour the whole container of Whestleys into. Drop in the parts, put the lid on and check it next day. ALL STRIPPED. I Then use a painters Filter/strainer and pour the whestleys back in the bottle for next time. Chuck the filter in the waste and go back to modelling.
RotorHead67
Visit this Community
Virginia, United States
Member Since: May 07, 2003
entire network: 1,174 Posts
KitMaker Network: 161 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 10:57 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


Castrol Super Clean. And it does work. It will strip paint too.


Will that work on enamels and acrylics?


Westley's Bleechwhite and Castrol Super Clean will strip ALL kinds of paint. Even old crusty
covered with dust, never cleaned the model shelf paint. LOL
Both these products are caustic.
Major_Goose
Visit this Community
Kikladhes, Greece / Ελλάδα
Member Since: September 30, 2003
entire network: 6,871 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Monday, December 08, 2003 - 11:18 PM UTC
I dl ike to ask: all these caustic materials for paint removing are not harming any of the usual plastic that our models are from.? Is there a supposed tested time limit that after it might affect and melt the plastic or due to the chemical base thay cannot affect the plastic anyway ?
keenan
Visit this Community
Indiana, United States
Member Since: October 16, 2002
entire network: 5,272 Posts
KitMaker Network: 2,192 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 12:09 AM UTC
Goose, can't speak to the chemistry involved but I have left models soak in Castrol Super Clean for weeks with no ill effects. (Your mileage may vary)
However, it is really caustic. The label says "Wear Gloves" for a reason. I didn't and it was heck on the hands.

Shaun
Major_Goose
Visit this Community
Kikladhes, Greece / Ελλάδα
Member Since: September 30, 2003
entire network: 6,871 Posts
KitMaker Network: 0 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 12:33 AM UTC
So probably is very active on human tissue or other sensitive elements but not on plastic . ok i ll try to strip a swimmwagen painted 15 years ago and we ll see!!!
RotorHead67
Visit this Community
Virginia, United States
Member Since: May 07, 2003
entire network: 1,174 Posts
KitMaker Network: 161 Posts
Posted: Tuesday, December 09, 2003 - 03:03 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I dl ike to ask: all these caustic materials for paint removing are not harming any of the usual plastic that our models are from.? Is there a supposed tested time limit that after it might affect and melt the plastic or due to the chemical base thay cannot affect the plastic anyway ?


GOOSE:
NOPE doesn;t harm the Plastic,,,,,,,,,But it'llll sure kill ya DEAD. LOL
Amazing our models will be here after we'er dead and buried.

OH BTY....I see you used one of my PICS for you banner. !! 174th. AHC
 _GOTOTOP