How to destroy a chrome finish?

[blacksmithman64]

Wondering if anyone knows how to strip the finish off chrome plated cabinet hardware without heating? need to make a wood tool chest look old time.Thanks in advance

 

[Norskie]

Wire brush on a grinder. Wear a dust mask. Watch your fingers.
There's usually a layer of copper under the chrome. You can pickle that off with vinegar if it doesn't come off with the wirebrush.
Moose

 

[renovato]

If it's plated over copper, ammonia will strip the copper if it can get do it. Sand or wire brush some scratches into it and let it sit in ammonia till it peels.

 

[wulf]

If it is to look like an antique then follow al
of the instructions given..but remember that
things used way back then were all new and in
very good condition and the workmenship was of
the best. Not the raw beat up low grade black
smith work that looks like it was made with a
stone and cool fire...Everything was a fine
quality because that is all they knew not like
these 9 lb pistols made today..ugh.. Just a
thought..mostly myne...

 

[blacksmithman64]

Wulf, is that a perpendicular slant to my fine high grade 'smithin work? :rotf: :rotf: :rotf: This box is straight off the boat from china and I don't want to go through the hassle of making new hardware,so I was gonna beat 'er with a chain and wire brush and abuse it some to get the chinaness off it.The chrome wheels on my van are nice and an' antiqued but I didn't want to wait for ten years on the box! :rotf:

 

[Norskie]

Well, there you go, you knew how all along, just soak your chrome in salt water! Pretty soon all that iron will rust away... No, wait, you want the iron :grin:
Moose

 

[wulf]

Certainly NO harm intended..not my way...