How to remove chrome plating from plastic?

Robotsan

Club Member
Hi all,

I'm wanting to strip the chrome plating from the 280z's rear light bezel things so I can either get them wrapped or painted. But everything I've tried so far has failed!

Found some threads on US forums saying oven cleaner works - well it doesn't on these! Also soaking in bleach. Also doesn't work on these - just left it spotted with lots of black marks.

Thinking Citric acid next (e.g. Bilt Hamber Deox-C), and then Caustic soda if that doesn't work. Then I guess heat gun after that? But I'd be worried of melting the plastic with that.

Can anyone shed any light on this for me please?

PXL_20230118_102217534.jpg
 

toopy

Club Member
A metal plating company might be a good place to start, they have to strip off the old coating each time so may be able to offer advice.
 

Robotsan

Club Member
A metal plating company might be a good place to start, they have to strip off the old coating each time so may be able to offer advice.

I was hoping that. I've contacted 4 such companies today, but not going well...

dual-metallising.co.uk - "Our finish will not be suited as it is a decorative finish you will need these chrome plated.. Try Chrome Fix." - Which confuses me as I thought *all* chrome plated plastic was done by metalising. Also, Chrome Fix don't appear to plate plastic..

chromespray.co.uk - "Allow £60 per side and if you could remove the chrome it would help" - so this one would be a goer, but I have to remove the plating myself. I have asked them if they know the best method.

borough.co.uk - waiting for a call back..

vmclimited.co.uk - waiting for a reply
 

status

Well-Known Forum User
It’s called vacuum plating if you want it done properly,had to send both my sets off to the states and it ain’t cheap
 

Robotsan

Club Member
It’s called vacuum plating if you want it done properly,had to send both my sets off to the states and it ain’t cheap

I thought it was called that too. But I just spoke to dual-metallising.co.uk on the phone, and they say that's vacuum plating is what they do, but it's just a decorative finish and would come off with a pressure washer for example. They do headlight reflectors, and they say they're fine because they're protected by the lenses.

So I'm hoping VMC or Borough come through for me.

Although @Larby has informed me that hydrochloric acid is what will strip the chrome off my trims, so if it comes to it hopefully Chromespray.co.uk will be a good option.
 

status

Well-Known Forum User
Had two sets done in the states one set been on car over ten years and still looks good ,maybe they do it properly in the states or have a different name for the process
 

Robotsan

Club Member
Had two sets done in the states one set been on car over ten years and still looks good ,maybe they do it properly in the states or have a different name for the process

Yeah could well be a different name or slightly different process.
 

status

Well-Known Forum User
Think the process has to be the same as putting chrome on plastic properly is not easy and not in high demand hence finding someone that knows their stuff isn’t easy,I think best to look for someone in the states also if you’ve got a nice 260 then it’s usually the rear light bezels that let it down where they haven’t been done as they should
 
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