how to remove chrome from plastic parts

Model car manufacturers paint a chrome finish on many of the parts that come in a model car kit. When assembling a model car, this chrome plating may interfere with the adhesive ability of the glue and detract from the look of a period replica. A chrome finish may be undesirable when you are building a Model T or other classic automobile.



Model car pieces can be stripped down to a bare finish and painted with model car paints to resemble the life-sized auto part. A simple solution to a complex problem can be found under your kitchen cabinet.

Difficulty:

 

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Household bleach
• Container with lid

1. • 1
     Choose a container that is big enough to submerge the model car part. A container with a lid, such as an empty film canister, is ideal for this project.
   • 2
     Fill the container with enough household bleach to fully cover the model car part. Shake the canister to completely coat the model car part. Lightweight car parts may float on the surface of the bleach. As a remedy, place cotton balls over the car part to weigh it down.
   • 3
     Let the car part soak until the chrome plating begins to dissolve or lift away from the surface. The soak time will depend on the method used to apply the chrome.
   • 4
     Remove the car parts from the container when all the chrome has been removed. Rinse the car part with cold water to remove the bleach.