How does one remove the chrome plating from the Revell plastic model kits. Thank You.

Question

Hello, i'am putting together a plastic model kit and would like to Remove some of the Chrome plating, so i may paint the parts. I have heard that maybe brakefluid might work?. Any answers would help a lot Thank You. Don ( Maine Coon)

Answer 1

As an avid model builder myself I have run into this problem many years ago, now it is easy as I solved it long ago.....very fine sandpaper will remove the shine surface you are wishing to eradicate, the fine sandpaper works two-fold, it removes the chrome-like surface and also finely sands the plastic beneath so that that surface is ready to receive paint.

Hint:  Toothpicks work really well for painting the lettering on tires and dashboard numbers......Good luck from Canada-Tripod.

P.S.  Do not use brake fluid...it is a petroleum based product as is the plastic that Revell uses for its kits and if combined the brake fluid will infiltrate the pores of the plastic and degrade it rather quickly to the point of becoming soft and pliable.  

Answer 2

use a product called wesleys bleche white, its an automotive tire cleaner, it will strip all chrome plating off with no bad effects, as well as old paint from the model as well, I have used it for decades on my own, give a good wash after soaking overnight, some parts may take a few days, but it beats sanding and possibly marring the plastic beyond repair.

It works wonder to ressurect old kits that someone else butchered. and you can reuse it a couple of times before you have to toss it out. I know it works on enamel paint, not sure about acrylic though. Look in the automotive section in wal mart, or go to autozone, like $4 a gallon for it, its whitewall cleaner for tires. Brakefluid will ruin the pieces, do not use it!