Stripping Silver-plating/Chrome from plastic

[warthoglvr]

I recently received a Tamiya P-51D in a trade only to discover that it was the silver-plated version.

I know folks use everthing from household bleach to oven cleaner to brake fluid to remove chrome plating from plastic parts. I read somewhere about a degreaser product called Super Clean. My wife picked up a bottle at the local Wal-Mart and I gave it a try.

I poured a small amount in a plastic tub and used a small sprue from the kit as a test subject. I wasn't sure how long it would take but I was prepared to leave it soak all night long if necessary.

After 20 minutes I came back in the room to check on my test subject and here is what I found...

Giddy with excitement that it really worked (it doesn't take much to get us modelers stoked, does it?) I proceeded to dip the rest of the kit.

Here is a one minute video of the magic of Super Clean in action.

http://s111.photobucket.com/albums/n125/wa...nt=MVI_3038.mp4

There was no brushing, scrubbing or work involved other than rinsing the bare plastic in warm soapy water after its bath in Super Clean. Now I am ready to tackle my first WWII subject and try my hand at a NMF using Alclads.

Edited December 15, 2010 by warthoglvr

[TheHarleyMan2]

NOW THAT IS DEFINITELY A GOOD TIP!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the info!

[dmk0210]

"Purple Power" works too (I think it's the same stuff actually)

This same technique will also remove paint (at least I know acrylic and Enamel, not sure about lacquer).

You know, if you ever botch a paint job and want to start over.

[Jinxter13]

That tip "ROCKS!!!!!"....Thank you so much.

[PlasticWeapons]

"Purple Power" works too (I think it's the same stuff actually)

This same technique will also remove paint (at least I know acrylic and Enamel, not sure about lacquer).

You know, if you ever botch a paint job and want to start over.

Neither work on lacquer-based paints. I ended up having to use Strip-A-Kit for that. The Super Clean works great on really old enamel paints though. I stripped off enamel paint on some old models painted over 12 years ago and the bare plastic looks like new!

[dahut]

Household bleach will do it and so will Coca Cola.

[William G]

Most of the gel type dishwasher liquids work too, oven cleaner works, as did one old shaving gel I used to use. (wonders why I dont use it on my face anymore)

Looks like Mr Tamiya was using whatever color of plastic was available.. Well it was supposed to be all shiny and chrome...

William G

[zeus60]

I'm wondering if using the purple cleaner to soak airbrush parts would cause any problems. If it strips acrylic and enamel paint, it would probably do a good job cleaning the airbrush.