How to Strip Paint From Chrome on a BMX

Chrome is a shiny, corrosion-resistant metal often seen on the bumpers of classic cars and along the sides of motorcycles. You can also find it on BMX bikes. But sadly, the shiny chrome is often painted over. Fortunately, all you have to do is strip the paint, and the chrome will shine through. With a brief buffing and a wipe down, it will shine as bright as ever.

Things You'll Need

  • Ventilated space
  • Drop cloth
  • Paint stripper
  • Rubber gloves
  • Safety goggles
  • Wipe cloths
  • Painter's tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take off any parts you don't want the paint stripped from. This includes handlebars, tires and chain. Alternatively, if you're stripping easy-to-reach places, you can just tape off those areas. Lay down a drop cloth to ensure the paint stripper doesn't get on the floor.

    • 2

      Put on eye protection and rubber gloves. Apply your paint stripper to the areas where you want to remove the paint. Any paint stripper will do, but the aerosol type is the easiest to use, since you spray it on and the chemical foams. This eliminates dripping, and makes the whole process go more smoothly.

    • 3

      Wait the amount of time indicated in the paint stripper's instructions. Using clean rags, wipe down the area. Then examine the paint. If there's no paint remaining, wash the area and then buff the chrome with a soft brush or cloth. If there is paint left -- which is common with more than one coat -- then wipe the stripper off, and apply another layer of it. Continue applying until the paint is gone. Then wash it clean, take off the tape and reassemble any parts you removed before stripping the paint.