How to remove chrome from plastic at home: features and effective methods

Chrome plating is the application of a thin layer of chromium on a metal or plastic surface in order to give it a more attractive appearance, enhance the strength of the metal and increase its resistance to corrosion. However, as it is used, the physical wear of the chrome coating occurs, which is why it loses its aesthetics, so many people think about how to remove the chrome from plastic at home. To date, there are several basic ways to do this, each of which involves the use of certain equipment, special solutions or other improvised means. Regardless of which method you choose to remove chrome plating, you must follow certain rules and precautions.

Chromed spraying with specialized equipment

If you are looking for an answer to the question of how to remove chromium from plastic, then the simplest and most common way is to use specialized equipment. At the same time there is no need to use various chemical solutions and to contact them, however it is necessary to understand that such equipment is quite expensive.

Such equipment includes:

• Abrasive installation;
• Ultrasonic cleaner.

Using an abrasive machine

Abrasive plant is equipment in which a special powder is used. Under the influence of high air pressure, this powder gradually erases chrome-plated sputtering. Such installations can be found in specialized shops or in many enterprises whose activities are related to construction.

Depending on the thickness of the layer, a powder with a certain granularity is selected. In the process of working with the installation, it is recommended to use protection for the face and respiratory tract, since the small particles of chromium that will get into the air are dangerous for human health.

Modern ultrasonic cleaners

How to remove chromium from plastic parts in other ways? Other equipment are ultrasonic cleaners. They remove the chromium layer by the action of sound waves. The chrome part is placed in a basket, which is lowered into a special solvent, which enhances the effect of ultrasonic waves on chromium. Further cleaning of the part is carried out in full accordance with the instructions for the equipment.

Use of chemical agents

If you are interested in how to remove the chrome from plastic very quickly, then in this case you should resort to using special chemical solutions. They are very powerful and effective and are able to remove even the thickest and highest quality layer of chrome plating. However, when working with such tools, you must be extremely cautious and observe all safety measures, because they are very toxic.

Chemicals include:

• hydrochloric acid;
• sulfuric acid
• sodium hydroxide.

How to remove chrome from plastic with hydrochloric acid? You will need to make a 40 percent acid solution. To do this, dilute hydrochloric acid in water in a ratio of 1 to 3. Also on the market there are ready-made solutions, the instructions to which tells how to remove the chrome from plastic. "Mole" is one such means.

The chrome part is placed in a solution of hydrochloric acid until the chromium-plated sputtering is completely removed, after which it is thoroughly washed out under running water with soap and sent to the dryer.

The principle of using sulfuric acid to remove the chromium coating is completely identical to that of hydrochloric acid.

"How to remove (remove) chromium from plastic with sodium hydroxide?" - you ask. Similarly, described above. However, there is one important nuance here. When working with this substance, its contact with water and aluminum should be ruled out, since, when reacted with them, sodium hydroxide releases toxic and flammable gas.

To prepare the solution, you need a plastic container in which you need to mix 8 to 12 ounces of sodium hydroxide and add 3.8 liters of water. Further, the chrome-plated part is placed in the solution until the sputtering falls behind. At once it is worth noting that it can take quite a long time. After completion of the removal process, the part is also thoroughly washed in clean water with soap.

Which way to use is not recommended?

Some experts recommend one advice on how to remove chrome quickly and qualitatively. It consists in reversing the galvanization process. This method is very effective, but it is not recommended to use it independently at home, because it is based on the use of electric current, and in the process of removing the binding of chromium elements to the metal, some very dangerous and toxic substances are released. Therefore, if you are looking for a way to remove chromium from plastic, then do not experiment with this, but rather choose another method described above, or seek the help of a qualified technician.

Removing a thin layer of chromium using improvised means

Before talking about how to remove the chrome from plastic with the help of improvised tools, it is worth noting that the methods considered below will help only in the case of a very thin layer of chrome plating, and in many cases will be extremely inefficient. Most of these methods are based on the personal experiments of some innovators, so in your specific case they may be useless. In most cases, they will help in removing fake chromium from plastic parts.

Chromium removal with improvised means

How can I remove the chrome from plastic at home? A great option will be the use of abrasive. It can be made from ordinary baking soda or cleaning powder, which must be slightly diluted with water to pasty state and then rubbed into chrome-plated until it begins to peel off. This method works only if you are dealing with a very thin coating. In this case, you should be very careful not to damage the main material.

Another means for removing chrome plating, which is for sure in every house, is a cleaner for the cooker in the form of an aerosol. It has excellent degreasing properties, so it can help quickly remove light chrome plating from plastic. Such a tool is applied to the part for ten minutes, after which it is simply wiped off with a rag together with the spraying itself. It is worth noting that some cleaners can have a negative effect on the base material, so the removal of chromium with their use is recommended to be carried out in several stages at short intervals. When working with household chemicals, be very careful not to let it get on the skin, eyes and respiratory tract.

Chromium bleaching

Another effective method is to soak the part with which you want to remove the sputtering in the bleach. The part is completely immersed in the solution for approximately 24 hours. The removal process can take a longer time. Here everything depends on the thickness of the layer and the quality of the spraying. The advantage of using bleach is that it acts solely on chrome-plated sputtering, without causing any harm to the main material. Important nuance: bleach, in which the chrome plated component was soaked, is not allowed to be used again, since it will contain chromium, which is toxic to humans.

Removing the chrome coating with a brake fluid

The last way to remove a layer of chromium is perfect for motorists. Because it is based on the use of brake fluid. The thing is that it has a similar effect on light chromium-plated spraying as a solvent on paint, so the brake fluid can help remove the chrome coating from the plastic part. However, it should immediately be noted that this method can not be called rapid, since the process lasts for several days.

The chrome part is cleaned with brake fluid and left for 10 minutes, after which it is washed under running water. It is not recommended to leave liquid on the part for a long time, as it can dissolve not only chrome but also the base material. Repeat this procedure until the chrome finish comes off completely.