Removing Chrome from Bronze

[Chesapeake Bob]

I removed the flag holder from the boat yesterday. I was refinishing the teak, and it was the only way to do it right. Upon removing the holder, it immediately became evident that the finish was no longer chrome all over. This is a heavy piece of hardware and I believe that it is chrome-plated bronze or chrome plated brass. I think Taylor makes them now. Since the finish is neither chrome nor bronze, I could either replace it with a new one or remove the remaining chrome and let it weather naturally, like the rest of the bronze hardware on the boat. Will lacquer thinner remove the remaining chrome?

 

[caguy]

I removed the flag holder from the boat yesterday. I was refinishing the teak, and it was the only way to do it right. Upon removing the holder, it immediately became evident that the finish was no longer chrome all over. This is a heavy piece of hardware and I believe that it is chrome-plated bronze or chrome plated brass. I think Taylor makes them now. Since the finish is neither chrome nor bronze, I could either replace it with a new one or remove the remaining chrome and let it weather naturally, like the rest of the bronze hardware on the boat. Will lacquer thinner remove the remaining chrome?

I would try a wire wheel first and if that didn't work I would use a layered abrasive disc and grinder. You can follow that with a wire wheel and a polishing wheel.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=...AVZQSeizgcUvh6gWilYuMEbw&ust=1380655120990585

 

[FastOlson]

Plan B ?

I took the old green/chipped-surface chromed bronze exhaust outlet from our '88 boat to a local shop that does buffing and chroming. They do mostly hot-rod parts and small jobs are common for them.
The cost was about half the cost of a new one and it looks like new.

You might check out that solution.

Photo now added. Note the mirror shine on that part (on left) compared to the polished SS thru hulls near it.

L

 

[Chesapeake Bob]

Muriatic acid?

Muriatic acid.

Allan, How long would you think that I would need to let it soak in muriatic?

 

[Allan12210]

Re: Muriatic acid?

Probably 1/2 hour. Watch to be sure it isn't attacking the bronze appreciably. Disposal becomes a problem. Better to let it evaporate than to pour it down the drain.

Allan

 

[jviss]

I guess there are quite a few ways! One search result I found suggested sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which is the active ingredient in oven cleaner - not the newer, friendlier ones, the older-style, strong stuff! Use protective glasses and gloves!

 

[RichH]

Bronze is plated first with nickle then with chrome over the nickel. The best way to remove the nickel and the remaining chrome is to SAND it off. Or ... if the nickel is intact send the piece to a plating house and have it re-chromed; less charge if the nickel is still there and intact.
Chrome and nickel are very resistant to most 'chemicals'; only mixtures of VERY STRONG acids will 'dissolve' them .... but you REALLY need to know what youre doing with these 'super' acids or you can badly harm yourself.

 

[sandsailor]

Chrome plated bronze is not nickel plated
Usually it is just chromed directly due to the copper content of bronze it is soft and chrome is very hard
I would peel the chrome or chemically remove it then nickleplate or polish it

 

[jibes138]

A plating shop can strip and re-plate it for you. The new ones are probably cheap zamak junk (die cast zinc plated with chrome). You might want to use nickel instead of chrome. Electroless nickel will plate all over, is a hard finish but a slightly different look than chrome. Hard to describe the difference but not quite as reflective and maybe darker would best describe it.

 

[zeehag]

wish i had bronze chainplates.... but look where cars are repaired ..body an dfgender shops will know where the rechromers are. check it out.