Chrome Plating can be described in many different ways today. However, one of the most basic definitions that explains exactly what this process entails is applying a thin layer of this material to metal surfaces. This thin layer is applied via the use of electroplating on common surfaces like a nickel on wheels. Many manufacturers use this type of process on a variety of different types of wheel materials in order to decorate products, make them more durable, corrosion resistant and tarnish free. All of the aforementioned are some great reasons for using chrome plating to enhance its overall looks.
Though chrome plating can be considered as an excellent way to beef up the looks of wheels and other kinds of products that people see on a regular basis, there are also some reasons why chrome plating may need to be removed. For instance, even though this type of process is durable and attractive, there are instances when the chrome plating may need to be removed.
Particularly, chrome plating may need to be removed due to damage that has been caused or even when it has begun to wear and tear over time. In either case, it is important to know how this thin coating needs to be applied as well as how it can be removed.
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Having said that, here are 3 ways that you can remove this plating from a wheel that has sustained damage due to some type of incident or to normal wear and tear.
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Utilize Specialized Machinery
Whenever possible, one of the best processes for removing chrome plating from any item is through the use of specialized machinery. For instance, for those who are in this industry and know what procedures that should be taken, the first option is to use an abrasive blaster. With an abrasive blaster, the materials can be easily removed with sandblasting, bead blasting and the like. These procedures are used to begin an abraded with the use of tiny pellets or a fine grain powder that can be sprayed on the items surface.
Usually, you can find this type of specialty machinery in an auto body shop or in a construction company that performs these types of jobs. This type of equipment is also great for getting the smallest parts of the chrome off of the surface and get into hard to reach areas that are not easily seen.
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Use an Ultrasonic cleaner
If you do not have access to the specialized machinery that has been mentioned in the first option provided for you above, there are other alternatives that you can take advantage of. In fact, instead of using some type of light or heavy equipment to remove the chrome plating, you can use a liquid chemical solution to get the same or similar results. For instance, you may want to pour hydrochloric acid in a gallon of water to get the solution that you can use. Because of the high strength of this chemical, however, it is important that you add about a 30% to 40% of this acid to formulate the ideal content. Simply put, use ⅓ part hydrochloric acid in a gallon of water. It is important that you take special care in completing this process so that you do not sustain injury or have any type of accident with others around Typically, to remove the chrome, you will need to soak the wheel that you are working on in the solution in order to strip it off the chrome plating materials.
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Household – Do It Yourself Mixtures
If you are like most people, you may have a fear of using a chemical that is too strong and can cause certain types of injury. Therefore, you may be looking for another solution that will not cause harm. Similar to the reasons why people are looking for green products, you just need a mixture that will remove the chrome plating with all natural ingredients.
Therefore, the homemade abrasive solution is usually great for taking on these types of jobs. For instance, if you are trying to remove a very thin chrome layer or one that looks real but is fake, you can use a mixture of baking soda to form an abrasive paste. When the chrome is thin, weak or fake, a little elbow grease with a soft cloth is often all that you will need. Also, by using this process to get rid of the chrome plating, you can protect the surface better that is beneath the chrome plating.
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Remove Shiny Thin Materials By Sanding it
Another alternative to removing chrome materials from your wheels is to sand it off manually. Though this method will take a little extra time to get it off completely, it does really work. Before getting started, you need to know what kinds of sanding materials and tools that will be needed. Particularly, when you are trying to sand these materials off by hand. For instance, to protect your hands from any kind of injury during these processes, you should make sure that you are working with the right types of gloves. Gloves can help to protect the skins from the shiny materials that are apter to cause cuts.
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