Chrome plating removal

[cereal black]

I have some aluminum rims with the chrome factory plating on them. I googled' the heck out of this and come up with alot of differnet answers, any input would be appriciated.

But, as well I am going to try different methods of removal, as to try and help other people who stumble upon this thread.

So far I have used low quality paint remover.
Results: Took away some of the clear coating but thats all.

Sanded with 180 grit paper.
Results: Takes both coats away down to a yellow primer. But takes along time, and sore hands.

More to come...

[a112]

Sandblasting.

[cereal black]

That was my first thought, but heard horror stories of the sand pitting/damaging the aluminum. So I thought of trying some not so destructive things first. I may still try this if all else fails. Some pics to come this weekend.

[KyleAnderson]

Sandblasting doesn't work... tried having it done a couple times. It will take off the chrome and some of the nickel layer, but it doesn't get through the copper. There's a chemical process to remove chrome.

[andromeda`]

Use high quality paint remover.

[Chris@fifteen52]

Chrome should be removed chemically.

[Exami]

chamical removal. first chrome off then nickel.should not be that expensive to be done by a professional.

Some photos regarding this issue:
Start:

Chrome removed: (nickel still on)

All done, chrome + nickel removed, pure aluminium:


After that paint & polish and you are all ok:

[a112]

Is there any practical way for doing that at home?

[Exami]

Is there any practical way for doing that at home?

for crome maybe, for nickel i bet not, even so i paid around 150€ for 4 lips and 4 center including centercaps.. Nickel plating needs pretty tought chemicals to remove.

[Strawhat]

I have two sets of chrome wheels atm, and NO ONE in my area will remove chrome.
I've called every electro-plating place in town. Such a pain in the ass.

[Exami]

I have two sets of chrome wheels atm, and NO ONE in my area will remove chrome.
I've called every electro-plating place in town. Such a pain in the ass.

Acetone should remove chrome & nickel plating? not sure how much time will it take or does it harm the aluminium?

Weird i was wondering that all companies that does chrome plating does remove aswell..

[atomicclutch]

acetone will definitely not work. im a professional automotive painter, i've done a few old school bmx frames that were pretty peeled and pitted. i just sandblasted them and used a good acid etch primer made for bare metals. they've held up very well, however, they dont take the abuse that a wheel would take. just my thoughts...

[Gatebil]

Iron(III)Chloride is pretty good against chrome and the nickel layer but i don't now how it react with aluminium.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron(III)_chloride

unchroming badges

https://plus.google.com/u/0/103080776076916270558/posts/WSd5fRkNP5H

[HPG-Matt]

to remove chrome they need to be acid dipped only way to get it down to bare aluminum most places that offer chrome dipping can also acid dip

[chandlerGTi]

I've had various sets unchromed by a chrome shop; they won't re chrome the parts and one of those sets the aluminum really aged quickly after being stripped. Each set ran about $150 to be stripped.