Removing chrome plating

[wch]

I now own a tastefully engraved model 1885 Winchester that someone took a step too far and chrome plated the receiver, tang sight and buttplate and I want to know if anyone can recommend a source to have this stuff removed from the rifle.
The receiver is nicely engraved and I can't tell if the plating was engraved or if the steel is the engraved surface.
Any help will be appreciated.

[Petrol & Powder]

Some outfit like Robar may be able to chemically strip that finish but I don't know if the underlying metal will be damaged in the process. I'd give them a call.

[Soundguy]

if it's iron / steel, you can use electrolysis to strip it.

it will damage brass and aluminum, and remove color case hardening, paint, any other surface preps that are present.

[Calamity Jake]

It takes a strong acid bath to remove that chrome plate, the engraving will get washed out and any holes could get
enlarged if not done properly.

[waksupi]

Brownells had a chemical that you can use with reverse electrolysis.

[Soundguy]

don't do acid, do mild caustic and electrolysis.. much safer, if iron / steel

[frankenfab]

Ford's Refinishing in Florida can do it.

[Greg S]

I'd opt for the electrolysis method but may still require engraving to be re-cut to sharpen edges and mirror surface finish.

[paul h]

You'll likely need to have everything polished after removing the chrome, then blue it.

[bob208]

take it to a chrome plating shop. they put it in the tank and reverse the process. the chrome comes right off.

[country gent]

I would contact Robars or Turnballs to see what they recomend for this project. Do you know who did the engraving, If it needs to be "freshened up" after the chromes removed the Hands that originally did it would be the best bet to touch it up. Turnballs can redo the original case hardened surface very nicely and skillfully.

[rundownbear]

Is this Chrome or nickel plating? Application and Removal processes are different. Its best to have someone that knows the difference look at it and determine which it is first.

[Soundguy]

Ditto, once finish is removed by electrolysis, it will need to be buff/polished, and refinished as desired.

Warning, hard chrome playing will cover minor surface blems, dont be surprised to find a less than 100% metal finish under the chrome.

[Parson]

With both engraving and nickel, There is a slim chance it is factory, would be interesting to letter it

[kingstrider]

I'll be the first to ask but how about posting some photos of your cool new project?

[daloper]

If the chrome has a mirror finish it is probably a layer of copper followed by nickel and then the chrome. Been in plating since 1973. If it has a stainless steel look to it then it is probably chrome flashed on steel.

[ironhead7544]

If it is the standard bumper chrome, nickel over copper, then soaking it in Hoppe's #9 will remove it. I has to be submerged for a bit up time. Not sure if the new formula will do it but the old one will. Hard chrome is a different story. It will need a plater to remove it.