Air Gun Home :: View topic

cw · Banned

What would be the best acid to use to dull
or make chrome plating flat or matt in appearance?

CW

Alstone · Moderator & Site Supporter

Hi CW I’ve used Hydrochloric acid diluted with water, something like 25% acid 75% water and keep the mixture agitated, also the temperature of the mix makes a difference the warmer it is the quicker it etches.
The chrome base also makes a difference, on steel or copper is ok but if it is on nickel the chrome could be very thin, things like taps etc.

A safer way is to use a toilet descale cream most of these contain an acid that will attack chrome, mix with water and use a test piece to get the right mix.

I suppose it depends upon the size of the object to be treated; I once changed a .41 handgun from shiny chrome to matt using a ferric chloride printed circuit bath, I stripped it down painted all the bits I didn’t want the acid to etch and put in the bath for about 10 minutes, this worked quite well but mostly it’s trial and error.

Take your pick.

One last thought how about mild shot blasting with Carborundum dust, depending on the item to be treated?

Al

AirGunEric · Site Admin

What about Muriatic acid? It's essentially "partially diluted" hydrochloric acid anyways- and available at just about any hardware store.