how do you remove chrome from a bike frame?

Question

i have a bmx bike with sever rust but the chrome is not peeling.sandpaper doesn't work and i don't have access to a sandblaster.any suggestions.

Answer 1

Muriatic acid is the best way but do NOT do it yourself!

This type of question has been posted a couple of times lately, although the above answers explain how to remove the chrome, nobody touches on why it gets that way in the first place.

Chrome (or it's real name Chromium) does not rust! So why do you have a rusty chrome frame?

On lower end bikes, chrome is applied as a "flash" plating. This means that it is basically dunked in a plating tank for just a few minutes. This allows gaps between the chrome molecules and the metal UNDER it rusts making it look like the chrome is rusting.

When chrome peels it has lost its bond with the metal underneath due to rust (or dirt).

How do you avoid this? First, the item to be plated must be surgically clean. Then it has to have underplating of copper, then nickel, then finally the chrome. Very expensive, it is rarely done on bikes.

So, there you go- my attempt at raising the level of intelligence today.

Answer 2

Chrome Bmx Frame

Answer 3

One of the other answers hit this on the head. Your chrome isn't rusting, your frame is. If you say severe, chances are the metal frame is fatigued beyond safe....but it is tough to say without seeing it firsthand.

The question is your frame worthy of the cost of refinishing, or is it damaged beyond the scope of repair? Removing chrome plating is NOT a DIY project, unless you have a sandblaster or acid tank. You will sand your fingertips clean off before you remove the chrome with sandpaper.

Chances are you are better off snagging a frame from Fleabay.

Answer 4

I removed chrome from a steel frame with sandblasting. Just be careful that you use the correct media. You don't want aggressive "star" media or you will etch the frame badly. Use a fine sand.

Answer 5

you likely have those 2 products at abode. it works super for chrome, like bumpers on a vehicle. in simple terms wad some aluminum foil and dip/pour some Coke/Pepsi onto it and rub out the rust and blooms. The foil would not scratch the chrome and the acid from the soda removes the rust. ensure you wipe it down after utilising this technique.

Answer 6

You can buy a great used frame off eBay cheaper than sandblasting, in a color you like.

Answer 7

take it to a shop where they do chroming and they will put it on acid and that will remove all the chrome
carlos
http://www.bikingthings.com

Answer 8

http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Body/chrome.htm

seems to favor "sand"blasting or acid (assuming your frame is steel)

http://forums.focaljet.com/tire-rack-tires-wheels-brakes-forum/508811-removing-chrome-wheels.html

seems to lean more toward the blasting.

http://yarchive.net/car/reverse_electroplating.html
describes "reverse electroplating"

Answer 9

if its not metal ...........what rust????