Stripping Chrome, the tasty way!

[Guest]

I thought I'd share a technique for stripping chrome that doesn't actually require you to use oven cleaner or any other nasty chemicals that could peel your skin off. A while back I was reading TMMI and found an interesting note about stripping chrome off parts with (drum role please) Pepsi! Yes, normal Pepsi actually strips chrome! I had to give this a go and so bought a couple of bottles of Pepsi (the normal full sugar one) and tried it, to my utter astonishment it actually works perfectly!

Place the parts in a container

Cover with Pepsi

Let sit for 24-48 hours (depending on the thickness of the chrome)

Voila, everything can be cleaned afterwards with washing up liquid and water and there are no bad odors!

As the person who wrote the article points out; wonder what Pepsi does to your stomach and teeth...

Hope it helps some people!

Simon

[Ian M]

I am surprised that no one has come up with that on before now.

Cola is very good for some weird things. It is very good at removing rusted nuts and bolts as well. As an engine cleaner its rather effective, but does need a really good rinse afterwards or every thing gets a baked on glaze of cola!!!

As for the teeth you wondered about. An adult's tooth placed in a glass of cola will dissolve into nothing if left long enough.

Whilst in the subject, try putting the thigh bone from a chicken (or the thanks giving/Christmas turkey) in a container with vinegar for a day or two. Remove, tie a knot in it rise and dry!

I will give the cola a try next time I need to strip chromed parts. cheaper than the other ideas and you can drink what you don't use! Bonus!!

Ian M

[Guest]

I think the tooth thing is one of them there urban myth thingies isn't it?

snopes.com: Coca-Cola Dissolves Teeth

[Guest]

Erm the tooth thing isn't a myth, we did it at Uni (Anatomy classes). We took an adult tooth, put it in a beaker of 500 ml of Cola and waited. every 2 days the Cola was changed (otherwise too much dissolved material builds up in the liquid). I can't remember exactly how long it took, but I'm pretty sure within 3 weeks the tooth was completely gone appart from some sediment at the bottom.

I like the rust remover idea! I need to clean my boat engine this christmas and was going to buy two or so antirust sprays, but I'll give the coke a try!

[Guest]

Erm, sorry, I wasn't clear. As the article says, orange juice does the same thing, they're acidic

The urban myth thing I was getting at is more to do with cola being very bad for you because it dissolves teeth, I've been drinking cola for 40 odd years and none of mine have dissolved yet, nor have my insides, ie.

As the person who wrote the article points out; wonder what Pepsi does to your stomach and teeth...

Not much is the answer

:grinball1:

[Guest]

I strip chrome using generic household bleach.

Strips most platings in seconds, some older brands take an hour or two if the plating is very thick, very cheap for a large bottle, same can be kept in a container and re-used many times before it's effectiveness is compromised, very little permeating odour and a quick rinse under running water to clean afterwards.

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Personal opinion but i wouldn't use coke on an engine.