Maya Ellison
Removing paint from plastic chrome parts can be a tricky task. While some suggest using a high-grade gel paint stripper or body prep cleaner, others recommend more accessible household products like bleach, brake fluid, or ammonia. It's important to note that the process may vary depending on whether the part has been clear-coated, as this can affect the success of different methods. Some people have found success with oven cleaners, but it's important to wear protective gear when handling these products as they can be acidic. Ultimately, the best method may depend on the specific part and the strength of the bond between the chrome and paint.
Techniques to strip paint from plastic chrome parts
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soaking in brake fluid | Removes paint without harming the plastic |
| Soaking in household ammonia | Removes most plating overnight unless the part has been clear-coated |
| Soaking in a strong detergent | E.g. Mr Muscle Professional Floor Cleaner or washing up liquid |
| Soaking in Westley's Bleche-Wite | Removes chrome in 20 minutes without harming the plastic |
| Soaking in Liquid-Plumr | Removes chrome plating |
| Soaking in Castrol Super Clean | Removes chrome and the yellow undercoating in about 10 minutes |
| Soaking in Easy Off oven cleaner | Removes chrome and the yellow undercoating in about 10 minutes |
| Soaking in caustic soda | Leave parts in a dish of water with a couple of spoons of caustic soda for 10 minutes |
| Soaking in Simple Green | Removes enamel paint, water or alcohol-based acrylic paints |
| Soaking in Tamiya spray paint | Use 91-99% rubbing alcohol to strip |
| Soaking in Dettol | Removes paint |
| Soaking in bleach | Removes chrome plating quickly |
| Soaking in household ammonia in an ultrasonic cleaner | Removes plating in about an hour |
| Soaking in high-grade gel paint stripper | Removes paint without damaging the chrome |
| Soaking in Acrysol | Removes paint if the bond between the chrome and paint is weak |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking in brake fluid
To soak parts in brake fluid, one method is to use a plastic bag. Place the parts in the bag, pour in the brake fluid, and push out any leftover air. If there is difficulty removing the air, placing the bag in a container of water can help, as the water pressure will push out the air. It is important to ensure that no water gets into the bag, as this can affect the brake fluid's performance.
The length of time needed for soaking can vary. Some sources suggest leaving the parts in the brake fluid for at least 15 minutes, while others recommend patience as it may take a while for the paint to soften. It is also important to note that leaving parts in the brake fluid for too long can make them turn rubbery, so monitoring the process is crucial.
After soaking, the paint can be physically removed using a gentle scrubbing tool, such as a plastic scrubber or steel wool. The part can then be cleaned with soap and water to remove any remaining brake fluid.
While brake fluid can be effective in stripping paint, it is important to consider its potential impact on the plastic. Some users have reported that brake fluid made their ABS plastic brittle, leading to cracking and breaking. Therefore, it is advisable to proceed with caution and test on a small area first to assess the impact on the specific type of plastic. Additionally, due to the hydroscopic nature of brake fluid, it is not recommended to reuse it for your car's brakes, as it can absorb water and change composition.
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Using a strong detergent
One recommended product is Mr Muscle Professional Floor Cleaner, which can be used to soak the parts for about an hour. This product is known to be safe for plastic and will not cause any harm. It is a strong detergent that can effectively remove chrome and paint without affecting the underlying material.
If you don't have access to Mr Muscle, you can also try using ordinary washing-up liquid as a milder alternative. While it may take longer to work, it can still be effective in removing the paint without damaging the plastic.
For small parts, an ultrasonic cleaner can be used in conjunction with the detergent. Fill the cleaner with a strong detergent or household ammonia, and let the machine run for a while. This method is especially useful for intricate or hard-to-reach areas, as the ultrasonic cleaner can effectively remove paint and chrome from crevices and small details.
When using any chemical products, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. Wear rubber gloves and eye protection to shield yourself from any potential irritation or harm. Additionally, ensure that the work area is well-ventilated to prevent the inhalation of fumes.
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Household ammonia
To begin, gather your supplies: a small ultrasonic cleaner, household ammonia, rubber gloves, and a plastic container. The ultrasonic cleaner is not mandatory, but it can be useful for more intricate parts with hard-to-reach crevices. If you don't have one, a simple plastic container will suffice.
Next, put on your rubber gloves to protect your hands from the ammonia. Pour a small amount of household ammonia into your chosen container. The amount will depend on the size of your container and the number of parts you are stripping. Ensure that the container is made of plastic, as ammonia can react with some metals.
Now, carefully place your plastic chrome parts into the container. If using an ultrasonic cleaner, turn it on and let it run for about an hour. If not, simply let the parts soak in the ammonia for several hours or even overnight. During this time, the ammonia will work to break down the paint, making it easier to remove.
Finally, remove the parts from the ammonia bath and rinse them thoroughly with water. Use an old toothbrush to gently scrub away any remaining paint residue, especially in crevices. Continue rinsing and scrubbing until all the paint has been removed.
It is important to note that household ammonia is a strong chemical, so caution should be exercised when handling it. Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the fumes. Additionally, be sure to properly dispose of the ammonia solution according to your local guidelines.
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Bleach
The process of stripping chrome from plastic with bleach can be time-consuming. One user reported that it took them 20 hours to strip chrome from a truck part using bleach. Another user reported that after one hour, Clorox pool shock was working better than bleach, although the parts should be totally stripped by the end of the weekend.
Before using bleach, it is recommended to rough up the chrome with a Scotchbrite pad to ensure that there is no sealant applied after the chroming process. The part should then be thoroughly washed to remove any surface contamination. It should then be weighted to keep it immersed during the stripping process. The part should be fully immersed in bleach and left for a long period of time—up to 24 hours or more.
After the process is complete, the part should be rinsed and scrubbed under a cold tap and then dried.
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Paint stripper
One popular option is to use a specialised product like Chrome Delete, which is designed specifically for removing chrome plating from plastic parts. Chrome Delete is a hassle-free solution that can be applied overnight, creating a ready-for-paint surface without damaging the plastic. This option saves time and effort, making it a preferred choice for those seeking convenience.
For a more readily available option, household ammonia can be used. By soaking the plastic parts in a plastic container with ammonia, the chrome plating can be effectively removed overnight. However, it's important to note that this method may not work on clear-coated parts, as the clear coating can be challenging to remove.
Strong detergents, such as Mr Muscle Professional Floor Cleaner, can also be used to strip chrome plating. These detergents act quickly and efficiently, ensuring that the chrome is removed without harming the plastic. Ordinary washing-up liquid can be used as well, but it may take a longer time due to its milder formulation.
Additionally, old-style oven cleaners containing caustic soda can be effective paint strippers. Soaking the parts in these cleaners for about 20 minutes can help remove the chrome without damaging the plastic. However, some areas may require additional attention with fine sandpaper to ensure complete paint removal.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to strip paint from plastic chrome parts. Some of the most common methods include using:
- Brake fluid
- High-grade gel paint stripper
- Liquid-Plumr
- Bleach
- Oven cleaner
- Household ammonia
- Strong detergent
It is important to note that some of these methods may be more effective than others, and some may require longer soaking times or multiple applications.
Simply apply the brake fluid to the desired area and let it sit for a while. Then, wash it off with water. This method is effective and safe for plastic, as it does not harm the material.
Yes, if you are looking for a milder alternative, you can try using a high-grade body prep cleaner like Acrysol. This method is especially useful if the bond between the chrome and paint is weak. However, it should be used with caution around exposed plastic.
All model car plastic chrome parts are typically clear-coated. This clear coat gives the shiny chrome appearance, as the actual chrome has a frosted look, similar to brushed aluminium. If you are unsure, you can test a small area with one of the mentioned methods to see if the coating comes off easily.
In some cases, you may need to use a combination of methods or repeat the process multiple times. For example, you can try using a paint remover or a specific product like Dettol or Simple Green, which is known to be safe for plastic. Additionally, you can try using fine sandpaper to gently remove stubborn areas of paint.
