sandblasting chrome rims

[Mike/Nebraska]

I have a set of chrome wheels that are rusted and I wondered if I could sandblast them to get the chrome off. I'd rather have them painted for my
31 pickup. thanks, Mike

 

[cas3]

chrome is hard, blasting wont take it off, but might ruff it up enough to hold epoxy primer. proceed at your own risk!

 

[Brian]

Any chrome plating shops in your area? Easy for them to strip the old chrome off; simple immersion in a bath, feed electric current through item, chrome dissolves off into solution.

 

[Kube]

You can in fact sand blast chrome plating off. However, not with a home blasting unit.
Any reputable professional blasting company won't do it as it contaminates their media.

Brian has offered great advice.

 

[50fordcoupeman]

Second on Brians suggestion. Chrome shops remove all chrome before re-plating an item.

 

[Ken hash]

Muriatic acid will etch chrome so you can paint. You can get it at Home Depot. I mix it one to one with water and use heavy scotchbrite. Don’t leave it on overnight and clean it thoroughly with water. Good luck.

 

[54vicky]

if you choose the above be sure to follow the directions on mixing with water there is a proper way (crs prevents me remembering)also wear rubber gloves if you do not want yellow fingernails to say nothing about the rest of your skin.you would be smart to do as suggested and contact a chrome shop.that is a nasty chemical if not used with respect.you also do not want to breathe the fumes wear safety glasses(good ones)

 

[Ron Pilger]

I made the mistake of a sandblasting attempt on a door garnish molding for my 36 3 W. Just made a mess. As others have recommended, go see the plating shop. Just a very short immersion will take it off. Ron

 

[29A]

I sand blasted a set of old chrome rims and used 2k epoxy primer, then painted them black with 2k paint, not spray can stuff. They have held up well and look good.

 

[rotorwrench]

A plating shop will reverse the plating process in the tank and draw the plating off. It doesn't always get it all off. The rest of the remaining plating is then removed by metal finishing equipment prior to polishing it back up for new plating.