Stripping off chrome?

Just a thought, but since I can't get factory painted mirror caps or front bumper ends (which are chrome on my limited inferno), has anyone tried stripping off the chrome to repaint them? I can paint fairly well, did a few project cars that turned out good. Saves the cost of buying the black just to paint them too.

 

Source the parts. Painting chrome will not work and there is no way to "strip" it.

 

You could have it wrapped in vinyl

 

you can strip the chrome but the chemicals and equipment required to do so cost more than buying painted caps.

 

Pretty sure it’s all the fake kind of chrome. Chromed plastic.

 

It’s chrome painted plastic. And poorly done at that. Just buy actual painted pieces.

 

I’m going to plastidip my front chrome mustache gloss black (black truck ftw)


scuff the chrome with scotchbrite and then coat it.

 

the problem with scuffing it is once you have a little bit flaking off, the rest goes with it, as it's electronically applied and isn't actually adhered chemically.

as said above, it isn't actually "chrome" it's actually an aluminum coating. there are products made specifically for pulling this "fake chrome" off of plastic but they cost hundreds of dollars per gallon.

in the tuner scene a lot of guys use ZEP Industrial Purple Degreaser Cleaner as it is alkali based and will literally eat aluminum.

I've used it myself but only on smaller parts, no guarantees it'll work but maybe worth a try since it's more affordable.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/ZEP-128-oz-Industrial-Purple-Degreaser-R45810/312758477