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How do you remove chrome plating from plastic car parts?

What’s the best way to remove thick chrome plating from plastic car parts? I have these awesome textured trim pieces for my car, but they’re covered in a thick layer of chrome plating that hides the details. I’d like to strip off the plating so I can see more of the design.

avatar
Joshua Levy · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Chrome plating can be excessive—especially when it’s covering more subtle details. Luckily, you can remove chrome plating from
plastic car parts
by using one of these two methods:
The first option is to use hydrochloric acid. Remember, hydrochloric acid is highly corrosive, so you should always use gloves and goggles when handling it. Once you have the right gear:
  • Mix one cup of hydrochloric acid in a plastic bucket with three cups of water.
  • Dunk your chrome-plated piece in the solution until you see the chrome come off.
  • Remove the piece and rinse it thoroughly.
If you’d rather try a more home-friendly solution, you can soak the chrome-plated pieces in oven cleaner, bleach, or brake fluid. Leave the pieces to soak for about 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Hopefully, that’ll do the trick!
While you’re waiting for your pieces to soak, take a minute to save on car insurance with
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