Striping Chrome that refused to give up!

[Pete J.]

I am striping a diecast for repainting and have a problem. The body striped just fine in brake fluid, but the chrome parts are proving to be a very tough nut to crack. I have soaked it overnight in the following:

1) Catrol Super Clean

2) Brake fluid

3) 91% alcohol

4) Bleach

5)Easy off oven cleaner

I have even resorted to trying soaking it in Acetone(current soak) and nothing seems to dent this stuff. Any body else any ideas?? This is the toughest stuff I have ever run into.

[Exotics_Builder]

Here’s what I do. First I soak the chrome parts in white vinegar. That takes the chrome off but not the clear base beneath. This can take a few days for really stubborn chrome. Just keep checking the parts.

Then I use Polly S Easy Lift Off

on the clear film and scrub off with a soft toothbrush.

[highway]

Another thing you might try is Dawn Power Dissolver. I've used it on chrome with great results. You can find it in the dish washing liquid aisle of your favorite store.

[jbwelda]

i have never met chrome that could withstand more than about 10 minutes in castrol super clean. are you sure its reasonably fresh? what model's chrome is this hardy?

[Pete J.]

Update:

Acetone just dissolved the plastic and left the frikin chrome!!! I've never heard of stuff this tough. The super clean was a fresh new gallon and you are right, I've never see any other chrome stand up to it either but this stuff is just relentless. This stuff must be some kind of metal plating. Well, on to vinegar. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Guest]

I was just gonna tell you acetone will melt the parts. Use Simple Green. It will take a couple of days, but it does a good job. Except the chrome in Trumpeter's kits. That stuff is iron clad.

[Hondo]

Just stripped some chrome.

Simple Green wouldn't touch it.

Westley's Bleach White (sp) took it off in a couple days.

Get it in auto parts stores White plastic bottle, red and blue art work.

[Danno]

Just stripped some chrome.

Simple Green wouldn't touch it.

Westley's Bleach White (sp) took it off in a couple days.

Get it in auto parts stores White plastic bottle, red and blue art work.

I always use Westley's Bleche White for chrome-stripping. Hasn't failed yet. Typical chrome comes off clean (including clear lacquer undercoat) within minutes; harder stuff just takes longer.

Highly recommended!