Removing chrome from the keys

[Jamesmac]

Any solutions out there that will cause chrome to flake. Using a fine steel wool at the moment, with a lot of elbow grease. But very time consuming. Thanks.🙂
PS. The new Nitromors don't work

 

[Fraser Jarvis]

Think your going to be struggling short of grinding it off, but if you strip it and have them re-chromed surely this will swallow up anything that's left?

 

[jbtsax]

Any solutions out there that will cause chrome to flake. Using a fine steel wool at the moment, with a lot of elbow grease. But very time consuming. Thanks.🙂
PS. The new Nitromors don't work

Most saxophone keys on student models are nicked plated, not chrome. I have had good success using Caswell's B-929 Nickel Stripper. The photo below is a work in progress in which YAS-23 keys were stripped and given a brushed satin finish. I'll post a few more photos when the "experimental" project is finished.

 

[Jamesmac]

Thanks for the tip John. The finish of the 23 looks great.
look forward to seeing the finished result

 

[milandro]

as previously said the “ chrome” is generally nickel on saxophones.

One can reverse plate items that are plated, the process involves, .like the original plating, immersion in a solution of water and an acid plus the use of electrodes, this, despite the intervention of acid, is probably less invasive than buffing all that metal off the keys and you will see how it comes off in minutes.

Make sure to immerse the keys in a neutralising solution post treatment (perhaps containing some Sodium Carbonate to neutralise any acid still active)

 

[Jamesmac]

as previously said the “ chrome” is generally nickel on saxophones.

One can reverse plate items that are plated, the process involves, .like the original plating, immersion in a solution of water and an acid plus the use of electrodes, this, despite the intervention of acid, is probably less invasive than buffing all that metal off the keys and you will see how it comes off in minutes.

Make sure to immerse the keys in a neutralising solution post treatment (perhaps containing some Sodium Carbonate to neutralise any acid still active)

Thanks Andre, but the thought of electricity and water.:shocked:

 

[O.C.V.]

Thanks Andre, but the thought of electricity and water.:shocked:

Don't worry about the electricity. You would need only about 3 volts DC, supplied by a couple of ordinary cells, or for a quicker result use a car battery. I think the key to be stripped would have to be the positive electrode and use perhaps a piece of copper for the negative. I think vinegar might serve as the solution, but dilute battery acid (sulphuric) could be better, but rather more nasty. If I have the polarities the wrong way round you would see copper being deposited on the key. I have to say I haven't actually tried this but in theory it should work. I would try it on some other Nickel plated object first.
Whatever method you use I'd be interested to know the result.
Best of luck
O.C.V.
I don't know how it would compare with the result using the Nickel stripper which I would imagine to be pretty toxic.

 

[O.C.V.]

Further thoughts.
On thinking about it the key would be the negative. Also it would be advisable to coat all non-plated surfaces with molten wax or similar to prevent erosion there, and watch the process very carefully as when the nickel has gone the brass itself would be attacked. Altogether I seem to be making a case for not using this method, but it just got me interested.
Good luck
O.C.V.

 

[wol916]

Hi, I nickel and zinc plate parts for the car all the time and buy supplies from these chaps who sell an acid pickle that will do the job. Basically it's some crystals you dissolve in water then dip whatever it is your doing in it, you do get some fumes and need gloves and eye protection is recommended but it works a treat.

http://www.gaterosplating.co.uk/Acid-Pickle.php

 

[Colin the Bear]

Thanks Andre, but the thought of electricity and water.:shocked:

Isn't that how the brain works?

 

[milandro]

Thanks Andre, but the thought of electricity and water.:shocked:

nothing dangerous about it and you can have it deplated (only the parts which need deplating) by a professional service

 

[Jamesmac]

Thanks to all for the useful info🙂

 

[jbtsax]

I don't know how it would compare with the result using the Nickel stripper which I would imagine to be pretty toxic.

The Caswell B-929 is non-toxic. I use mine in a stainless steel pot on an inexpensive hot plate to maintain the recommended 120 F temperature.

 

[DavidUK]

Most saxophone keys on student models are nicked plated, not chrome. I have had good success using Caswell's B-929 Nickel Stripper. The photo below is a work in progress in which YAS-23 keys were stripped and given a brushed satin finish. I'll post a few more photos when the "experimental" project is finished.

Are you planning to apply another protective finish to stop it discoloring, like wax for instance?

 

[dingfelder]

Most saxophone keys on student models are nicked plated, not chrome. I have had good success using Caswell's B-929 Nickel Stripper. The photo below is a work in progress in which YAS-23 keys were stripped and given a brushed satin finish. I'll post a few more photos when the "experimental" project is finished.

if you dont mind, can you tell me how you make that satin finish?
and would it remain satin if you plated it (silver or nickel)?

 

[Colin the Bear]

Maybe with an eight year old thread it will get the attention of the poster if you tag them.
@dingfelder
@jbtsax

 

[jbtsax]

if you dont mind, can you tell me how you make that satin finish?
and would it remain satin if you plated it (silver or nickel)?

These are the products I use. The large wheel is mounted in a bench motor on a spindle. Plating would not change the "brushed" finish. I experimented with silver plating a key that had that finish and I was disappointed with how it looked. The way the light reflected made it look kind of dirty. It didn't look at all as nice as the silver plated bead blasted finish found on many vintage instruments.

 

[Ivan]

bead blasted finish

Phrase of the day

 

[turf3]

Phrase of the day

How so? That's what it's called. It's the correct term for that particular finish.

 

[nigeld]

Sounds like a phrase from Under Milk Wood - The shiny silver bead blasted finish