How To Remove Chrome from Model Kit Parts

Let’s face it, some of the chrome that comes on some models just isn’t up to the standards we set when we are putting so much time and effort into building a model. In some kits it is just too thick while on others it may have a thin area. You can remove and replace that chrome with a little elbow grease and patience.

You can remove chrome from model parts using Formula 409 cleaner, Super Clean degreaser, Purple Power, Clorox bleach, brake fluid, or scrape the chrome off with a sharp modeling knife. Soak the parts in one of the solutions for a few hours. Wear gloves and use a toothbrush to remove any remaining chrome.

Method Of Removal	Pros	Cons	My Choice Order
Super Clean Degreaser	Non Toxic	May take a while	#1
Formula 409 Degreaser	Non Toxic	May take more hours	#2
Purple Power	Non Toxic	May take more hours	#3
Clorox	Inexpensive	Will bleach what it touches	#4
Brake Fluid	Inexpensive	Greasy, hard on plastic and hands	#5

Easiest Methods To Remove Model Kit Chrome

Here are a few solutions that will strip chrome from plastic parts. Super Clean degreaser, Formula 409, Purple Power, Clorox bleach and brake fluid will all remove the chrome. After soaking in one of the solutions for a few hours lightly brush off the remaining chrome.

There may be some manufacturers chrome that will have to be soaked overnight rather than for a few hours. Wear good chemical proof rubber gloves and safety goggles when working with any of these products. They can be harsh on the skin and you certainly don’t want to get any in your eyes.

Use a toothbrush or other soft bristled brush to remove any chrome that hasn’t fallen off. When the chrome is all removed wash the parts in warm soapy water, rinse clean and thoroughly dry. The parts will now be ready for paining or chroming again.

“The application and removal of paint and chrome come up quite often and are always worth an answer. Everyone has their favorite method. Mine is Easy-Off oven cleaner. Others include Castrol Super Clean, Westley’s Bleche Wite, and Dawn Professional Power Dissolver. Brake fluid will work too, but keep an eye on it during the process.”

Is It Safe To Remove Model Kit Chrome?

It is safe to remove chrome from your parts if you use correct precautions. Most products are not harmful to the skin but may be irritating and it’s good practice anytime you use cleaners of any kind to wear good rubber gloves. Goggles are an important personal protection for your eyes anytime you use cleaners.

Super Clean degreaser, Formula 409, or Purple Power would all be my choice before using brake fluid or scraping with a knife. These three cleaners are not harsh or harmful to the skin and easily washes off of your hands. I would still recommend wearing rubber gloves and goggles for protection.

Clorox bleach works well but you need to be very careful because anything you get it on will be bleached out. You must wear rubber gloves as it is irritating on the skin. Always wear goggles when using Clorox becaus it is very harmful if you get it in your eyes.

My last choice of the cleaners I listed would be brake fluid. Brake fluid can be quite corrosive and I would be concerned with leaving the parts soaking in it very long. I haven’t ever tried brake fluid but I have seen others recommend it. Personally I think it could soften the plastic.

Why Remove Model Kit Chrome?

On many models the bumpers, wheels and some engine parts come chromed in the kit. We may desire to have painted bumpers or wheels so the chrome will need to be removed. Sometimes the parts you get in the kit may not have a satisfactory chrome plating on them.

“The application and removal of paint and chrome come up quite often and are always worth an answer. Everyone has their favorite method. Mine is Easy-Off oven cleaner. Others include Castrol Super Clean, Westley’s Bleche Wite, and Dawn Professional Power Dissolver. Brake fluid will work too, but keep an eye on it during the process.”
David Danard, Scale Auto Magazine, Jan 2019

Lots of modelers like to change the bumpers to black or to match the bumpers to the color of the model. The same goes for wheels, you will see lots of cars and trucks on the road today with black or many other colors of wheels.

Whatever your preference it’s easy to remove the chrome and prep the part for paint.

Can I Paint Over My Chrome Parts?

Chrome parts can be painted over if they are sanded with a 320 grit sand paper then painted with a good primer. Spray a light coat of chrome spray like Alclad II (my favorite), Testors Metalizer, SNJ, & Talon are a few brands of chrome metal finishes for plastic.

Painting over chrome is not a very good practice as you will over time get flaking of the original chrome. The best method is to use a stripper like Super Clean degreaser, Formula 409, Purple Power, or even Clorox bleach. Then paint with a several light coats of chrome paint like Alclad II (my favorite), Testors Metalizer, AKInteractive Extreme Metal or a color of choice.

How To Chrome Model Kit Parts

See my related post here

For refinishing the parts there are a few methods you can use. Alclad II (my favorite), Testors Metalizer, SNJ, & Talon are some very good brands of metal finishes for plastic parts. If your preparation is good you can use hardware-store chrome spray paint like rustoleum or krylon.

Applying metal finishes can be a little tricky so make sure your preparation is good “clean, sanded and primer applied”. It’s always a good idea when trying something new to practice on a scrap piece of plastic.

Final Thoughts

Now we know that if we don’t like the chrome on our models we have options for stripping it off. It’s safe to do and not hard on the plastic if not left soaking in the solution too long. We need to be careful by wearing rubber gloves and safety goggles. You don’t want to bleach the skin on your hands or get anything in your eyes. This is another good way to customize our models. Happy Modeling!