Stripping chrome on the 68 Eagle

[expatriate]

What’s your best shot for stripping chrome from plastic. Back in the day we used Easy-Off oven cleaner, but I heard it isn’t good for softer loader plastics. I maybe stripping the whole sprue because I find model chrome to be too bright to look realistic. So I want this too be dulled down a bit , some surfaces need to be a different shade of silver / aluminum / steel other than chromed. TIA

[kyledehart5]

Super clean. That’s what I use. The dollar tree degreaser has worked for me in the past too.

[pje]

I use Bleche-Wite white sidewall cleaner. Can be found at most automotive supply shops. What I like about it the most is that it also removes the clear coat under the layer of chrome.

Paul Erlendson

[jj66]

Two minutes in bleach. Be careful not to splash your eyes or clothes

[Gary Davis]

CLOROX Splash-less (thicker) laundry bleach. Works great. I use LA's Totally Awesome(degreaser & spot remover) to remove paint. I found it at Walmart. I think my wife also found it at the Dollar store too.

[1961redlegs]

I have a lot of luck with Windex. It’s a slower process, but it’s not caustic and gets the job done. I pour some in an old tupperware bowl, place the parts in and about 24 hours later, it’s as if the chrome was never there.

[indy]

Dec 11, 2021 15:46:26 GMT -5 1961redlegs said:

I have a lot of luck with Windex. It’s a slower process, but it’s not caustic and gets the job done. I pour some in an old tupperware bowl, place the parts in and about 24 hours later, it’s as if the chrome was never there.

I have used Simple Green with similar good results. I prefer to try less toxic chemicals first.

Jordan

[arcticwolf]

Super Clean, formerly Castrol Super Clean, It's a degreaser. Home Hardware, Cdn Tire, Walmart probably. Put the parts in a ziploc bag, pour some super clean in, seal it. Shake it up every 10 - 20 minutes for coverage, takes about an hour (or less). Chrome just falls off, it will not hurt the plastic at all. Works on most paints, may take longer. Seems to have a problem with old enamels - don't we all.

Just wash with dish soap after.

I have that 68 Eagle kit and the resin conversion to Cannon's F5000 car, might get around to it some day.

[1961redlegs]

Jordan-I may have to try Simple Green! We used crates of the stuff when I was in the Army and it almost always cleaned up the dirtiest items we threw at it. Thanks for the tip!

[expatriate]

Thanks for all the help guys, seriously! Well, Windex BRAND may work, but regular bargain glass cleaner, doesn’t! 26hrs in no luck! Gonna try another route if it hasn’t changed by tomorrow. 

[Chris]

I have used Formula 409 for years, it strips Chrome in minutes and leaves a clean surface. No need for a respirator either. Have you tried Testors Dullcoat or Semi-Gloss clear directly on the Chrome? I use it for a more Machine polished or Muted Look directly on Chrome. Sure dont look the same. I used it on Blowers on Drag cars that required a lot of handling afterwards and the Dullcoat wears off the high ridges leaving a interesting effect of used Polished Metal.... Try it.. Chris

[expatriate]

I’m attempting your suggestion with the 409. The Gurney Eagle sprue is newly stripped by the glass cleaner. The Lotus 56 sprue is like it never saw the glass cleaner. Hoping for better results with this. 🤞🤞🤞

[ohnothimagen]

I've had good luck soaking the chrome pieces with Dawn detergent and warm to mildly hot water. It takes a couple of days but the chrome comes off well and the delicate suspension pieces remain in good condition.