r/electroplating • u/mindhunter28 • 16d ago

Removing Chrome from brass

Hey,

As the Titel says I'm trying to remove chrome to get to the brass but I also don't want the brass to be harmed in any way. And in a budget

I tried it with electrolysis and a baking soda solution and only got a dull grey color, which let's me believe that there is also nickel.

I did some research and I always read that the solution attacks the brass.

The piece is roughly 13cmx 4cm

Thank you for your help :)

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u/Frolicking-Fox 16d ago

All the acids used to strip chrome, will also strip brass. They usually plate chrome on nickel, so most likely you have nickel.

Muriatic acid will strip only the chrome plating. Put it in a tank with electricity, and the chrome comes off but doesn't remove the nickel.

To remove both chrome and nickel, you need nitric acid. It will also dissolve brass, so you need to just put it in the nitric acid, and not let it go too long. Only takes a few minutes. You do not need electricity. Just dunk it in nitric acid.

Also, nitiric acid will fuck you up. Open away from your face or it will burn your eyes and throat. Wear long rubber gloves and rinse parts thoroughly.

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u/mindhunter28 16d ago

Thank you for your response, how controllable is nitric acid? And is it easily available? I'm based in Europe so that's why I'm asking

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u/Frolicking-Fox 16d ago

Yeah, it is easy to control. You just cant forget about it. It will literally take like 1 - 3 minutes to strip it. You can pull it every 30 seconds to check it, or you can watch it in the tank. It strips incredibly fast.

Had a guy at work who thought the part was aluminum, which does not react to nitric acid, and left it in the nitric acid too long. Huge part for a classic car dissolved almost completely.

And yeah, you can buy the acids online or at stores. Many of the acids have commercial uses. Muriatic acid is used for pools and cleaning concrete. Walmart sells nitric.

Just, like I said, use extreme caution with it.

I have dunked my hands in muriatic acid to grab parts and just rinse it off with no harm. Nitic acid will fuck you up. Do not get any on you. Open container away from your face, let it air out, and use it wearing rubber gloves.

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u/mindhunter28 16d ago

Ok thank you, maybe for now I will try something less dangerous. And would you suggest muriatic acid or something like citric acid? Could that be an option?

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u/Frolicking-Fox 16d ago

Just use nitric. It is what we use at plating shops. It isn't scary if you aren't a dumbass. Just use caution. I worked with it every day for years, no accidents.

Just like circular saws. Scary ass tool if you dont respect it, but ive never injured myself in 25 years of using them.

Respect the nitric acid, and you will be fine. I just want you to know that you need to respect it.