paint, chrome
#3
Senior Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 17
From: Upstate NY
Bikes: Bianchi San Mateo and a few others
There are a number of ways to remove paint to expose what's underneath. To be sure you've given good advice, what kind of bike are we talking about? Are you sure it's full chrome underneath the paint? (Even if it is, be aware that chrome under paint may not be of the best quality.)
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,697
Likes: 2,039
From: Up
Bikes: Masi, Giant TCR, Eisentraut (retired), Jamis Aurora Elite, Zullo, Cannondale, 84 & 93 Stumpjumpers, Waterford, Tern D8, Bianchi, Gunner Roadie, Serotta, Serotta Duette, was gifted a Diamond Back
many older bikes had chromed frames that were painted over. I was told that I should not strip the paint to have a chrome frame because the chrome under the painted areas have not been finished (not buffed and there could be scratches in the chrome. But if you want to take the paint off, it is best to not scratch the chrome so I'm not sure but if you use some chemical paint stripper it should not hurt the chrome.
#5
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,865
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
many older bikes had chromed frames that were painted over. I was told that I should not strip the paint to have a chrome frame because the chrome under the painted areas have not been finished (not buffed and there could be scratches in the chrome. But if you want to take the paint off, it is best to not scratch the chrome so I'm not sure but if you use some chemical paint stripper it should not hurt the chrome.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
#6
Yeah. Chrome plating is decorative, costs and paint adheres to it very poorly so is quite unlikely to be on something intended to be painted. The best corrosion protective plating for steel is zinc, which is also cheap.
I think the OP is referencing to bare metal sheen, rather than chrome plating, per se.
I think the OP is referencing to bare metal sheen, rather than chrome plating, per se.
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
Bikes: Haibike FS RS
You need to use stripper if its indeed chrome, or if it's just metal then you can buy a cheap sand blaster on Amazon.com. It would leave a neat finish I would think after it beats up the metal. If it doesn't you can use various grades of 3M pads and a dremel to resurface the metal (like brushed metal) or you can try buffing it with diamond powder. You would then want to spray it with a poly to stop it from slowly rusting.
#9
Ask in the Classic and Vintage forum. There will be some horrified that you're sacrificing original paint, but many with suggestions on how to do it. You'll probably also get suggestions on what to use as touch-up paint.
__________________
"I had a great ride this morning, except for that part about winding up at work."
Bikes so far: 2011 Felt Z85, 80's Raleigh Sovereign (USA), 91 Bianchi Peregrine, 91 Austro-Daimler Pathfinder, 90's Trek 730 Multitrack, STOLEN: 80 Schwinn Voyageur (Japan)
"I had a great ride this morning, except for that part about winding up at work."
Bikes so far: 2011 Felt Z85, 80's Raleigh Sovereign (USA), 91 Bianchi Peregrine, 91 Austro-Daimler Pathfinder, 90's Trek 730 Multitrack, STOLEN: 80 Schwinn Voyageur (Japan)
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Wildwood
Classic & Vintage
9
01-07-18 05:19 PM






