How to Remove Fake Chrome From Plastic Models
Plastic model pieces sometimes ship from the factory with a fake chrome paint on some surfaces. Occasionally you may want to remove this paint, especially if you have a more realistic paint you would rather use instead. Since paint does not adhere well to the fake chrome paint, you must first remove it completely from the model pieces.
Things You Will Need
- Newspaper
- Bucket or bowl
- Bleach
- Rubber gloves
- Old towels
- Old toothbrush
Instructions
- Open windows or turn on a fan in the area where you'll be working. Bleach fumes can be dangerous in a poorly ventilated area. Lay down a layer or two of old newspaper to protect your work surface from the bleach.
- Add the chrome painted model parts to a bucket or bowl.
- Add enough bleach to the bowl to cover all of the parts you want to remove the chrome paint from. Be careful while pouring to avoid splashing bleach over the edges of the bucket or bowl.
- Allow the pieces to sit in the bleach until the paint dissolves. Check the pieces in five minute intervals. When you begin to see the paint peeling away from the plastic, the pieces are almost ready.
- Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- Remove the plastic pieces from the bleach and place them on an old towel.
- Use an old toothbrush to carefully scrub away any of the paint that is left on the model pieces.
- Rinse the pieces with fresh water and dry them with a fresh towel. If any chrome paint remains on the pieces, soak them again in bleach until the paint is removed.