Chrome Plating and Brake Fluid

Quick question:

I know most people use oven cleaner and the like to strip chrome plating off parts, but can brake fluid be used as you would with paint.

Many thanks for your help.

Sure, brake fluid will strip chrome- but it's not really plastic safe for paint or chrome. Sure, you may get lucky, or you may get a nasty surprise. Why risk it? There are plenty of other safe things that you can use to strip chrome (and paint)- household bleach, automotive cleaner/degreaser, isopropyl alcohol, that won't damage plastic.

Bleach will do the job, you don't need brake fluid for that. Besides, the brake fluid can melt the plastic!

All you need is some bleach, and bucket or something like it. Put the bleach in the bucket, throw the chrome plated parts in, and voilà; a day later, you will have stripped parts.

Just to offer an alternative point of view based on my personal experiences.

I've done the following methods: bleach once, oven cleaner once and DOT4 brake fluid twice.

1. Bleach and oven cleaner remove the chrome colour in about 5secs to 10 minutes. These methods IMO do NOT remove the clear laquer that is applied to the plastic part prior to vacuum plating process. In one case this was Ok because the plastic part was well molded and didn't need filling or sanding. In the other case, it was an issue.

2. Brake fluid takes several days to work. I have just yesterday removed parts that were soaking in the DOT for a week or more. After this, chrome and laquer were easily removed with toothbrush and bare plastic sprue was left. On neither occassion was there even the slightest hint of damage to the plastic (Tamiya and Monogram) but maybe I was just luky so far....

Honestly, of the 2 methods based on my experience to date, I prefer the DOT4 method just because I prefer to get back to bare plastic. I am not usually in a hurry so time is not an issue, but I checked th parts daily and vigorously shook the jar they were soaking in. If I ever have plastic melt on me, I'm sure I will change my mind. :)

Brake fluid requires responsible handling and disposal.

Brake fluid requires responsible handling and disposal.
And that's another reason I never recommend it. Just how many people do you expect responsibly dispose of it after using it to strip paint? How many people even know how? Cleaner/degreaser is biodegradable, and alcohol will safely evaporate on its own. Why use a toxic, hazardous material if you don't have to?

Just how many people do you expect responsibly dispose of it after using it to strip paint?
I suspect that your question was rhetorical :) but my answer is simple, even simplistic - EVERYONE.

I am far from unsympathetic to your concern. In fact that is exactly why I added the point.

I think that there isn't much in our hobby that isn't in some way dangerous, toxic or potentially harmeful - not least to the modeler him/herself. For example how many of us make use of scalpel knives? In my profession these are called "sharps" and require special disposal. I'm afraid that most people just throw them in the bin - a habbit I would discourage also.

I have been using the same brake fluid for over a year and when it requires replacement I will take it to my garage where they are equipped to handle these kind f substances.

I shared my experience and my opinion and I fully support your concern for safety to the individual and the environment.

can't beat the oven cleaner... its safer, works pretty fast, and the lemon scented version is excellent. :grinyes:

either way.. make sure you were some rubber gloves and protective eye wear.

can't beat the oven cleaner... its safer, works pretty fast, and the lemon scented version is excellent. :grinyes:

either way.. make sure you were some rubber gloves and protective eye wear.

Last Oven clean I used was a killer with the fumes, like 200 Marlboro in 5 mins.:(

Last Oven clean I used was a killer with the fumes, like 200 Marlboro in 5 mins.:(


they actually make a "fume free" oven cleaner now.. its pretty nice.. as mentioned, lemon scented too. :p

The oven cleaner I use here in the UK is a product called "Mr Muscle", and although it works just fine, the fumes are really horrible. Outside or well-ventilated ONLY, and remember those gloves!

I tried a couple of parts in a jar of 91% iso alcohol tonight, after about an hour there was little change. I took one of the parts out and dropped it in a jar of generic window cleaner with ammonia, and after about 15 minutes the chrome had begun to recede from the edges, and one whole side was clean. There has been little change in the last half hour, so I assume that was the thinnest portion of the chrome. I will let it sit overnight and see how it progresses.

As I already had a tub of brake fluid waiting previously used, i dropped the parts into this, whilst there has been no damage to the plastic, there has been little effect to the underside of the parts.

The parts in question are the chromed sprue for the rc211v, and the outward face of the frame and swing arm etc has stripped off nicely the inside will not budge.

As I already had a tub of brake fluid waiting previously used, i dropped the parts into this, whilst there has been no damage to the plastic, there has been little effect to the underside of the parts.

The parts in question are the chromed sprue for the rc211v, and the outward face of the frame and swing arm etc has stripped off nicely the inside will not budge.

Swish it around, rub it with an old toothbrush, out it back in :) rpt as required.

I checked the oil pan today after work, and no change from last night. I even scrubbed it with a toothbrush but nothing. I put it in some Formula 409, we'll see what that does.