de-chroming at home

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May 18, 2014 | 12:47 PM

#11

RK El Guapo

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Joined: Jun 2010

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From: Ruckersville, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanDman

I thought you stripped chrome using acid. Have you looked into getting your parts powder coated? I've sanded chrome and used etching primer then spray painted. Not very durable, get chips from road debris.

When you use bleach to strip old chrome, it bubbles it away from the metal, as opposed to actually eating it off. It's an old cheap bastard way of doing it in the low-cost rat shops. I don't know if it would work on new stuff, but I'm willing to try if no one else has tried already.

Powdercoating looks great, but I haven't a clue on how to do it. Any good tips on how to learn?

---At the end of the day, not only do I appreciate the results and savings more when I have done it, but I appreciate the knowledge gained more. No matter what else happens(save another tbi or worse- alzheimers), I'll always have that knowledge to fall back on.

May 18, 2014 | 12:48 PM

#12

E8USMCRET

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Joined: Mar 2014

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From: NC, USA

I've had many parts powdered lately and love the look and durability. My local guy is real reasonable and usually has a two day turn around. Powder coating can be done in any color in the rainbow not just black. I'd be hesitant to rattle can stuff on a nice bike maybe on a rat bike but not on something nice, you may regret it later.

May 18, 2014 | 01:01 PM

#13

DanDman

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From: Nor Cal

I'll try the bleach method on some old peeling chrome parts I have laying around. You can buy powder coating kits/supplies from Harbor Freight, Eastwood. You would need a oven to bake the parts. I don't have the room to do all that.

May 18, 2014 | 01:03 PM

#14

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

The engineering method to dechrome is the reverse of the way it got there - electrolysis, which removes and reclaims the expensive chromium.

May 18, 2014 | 01:15 PM

#15

RK El Guapo

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From: Ruckersville, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanDman

Much appreciated! None of my chrome is in bad shape yet, aside from a few dings and minor scratches.

I need to do some serious research on powdercoating methods. Maybe I could practice with a Craigslist oven. I'd consider the kitchen one, but the wife'd probably kill me.

May 18, 2014 | 01:44 PM

#16

DanDman

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Joined: Sep 2008

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From: Nor Cal

Quote:

Originally Posted by RK El Guapo

CL in the free section for the oven is good idea. I've had parts coated without removing the chrome plating. Media blast the parts or sand and Scotch brite them.

Last edited by DanDman; May 18, 2014 at 01:48 PM.

May 18, 2014 | 02:12 PM

#17

waltz4

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Joined: Oct 2012

Posts: 124

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From: Rome, GA

Easy bake oven.......

Just like you I have considered powder coating. Years ago I made an oven/kiln to dry some wood. I used the aluminum sided foam board tacked to a 2X4 wooden structure. The one I made was 2'X2'X4' with 2 heat lamps installed. It would heat up to 350* easily. I vented to adjust the temperature by just sliding the top open a bit. You can make racks and hangers and powder coat your parts in the oven (cover you lamps). Then heat it up and bake your powder coated parts. If you need more heat just a another lamp or two. I would suggest a couple of experimental bakes with junk parts so you can adjust lights/time for optimum temperature control.
Good luck and post pictures !