As FineScale Modeler Associate Editor Mark Hembree explained to Corey Forde in the April 2008 Questions & Answers column, it’s always necessary to remove chrome from plated parts for glue to work. But scraping can damage parts, and it may be hard to get it all off some shapes. Instead, I dip a small brush in a gelatinous rust remover, such as Naval Jelly, and apply it only to the area I want stripped. The jelly is a mild acid that will quickly strip off chrome plating, and the thick consistency keeps it in place just where you need it. Keep an eye on it until the plating is gone – usually just a couple minutes – then rinse it off with cold water. This process will not damage the plastic and is just as precise as your application. For safety, be sure to wear eye protection and gloves.

Tip submitted by:
Bob HemphillLeesville, Louisiana