How to Remove the Chrome Finish From My Wedge

Wedge golf clubs are specialty clubs that are used to get out of a sand trap, long grass or when you need to get a significant amount of loft without a lot of distance on your shot. A number of golfers believe that when the club is stripped of any chrome plating, it enhances the spin they are able to apply to the ball during a swing. Removing the chrome requires the use of very strong acids, so extreme care must be used when completing the steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Protective gloves, goggles, boots, pants and jacket
  • Hydrochloric or muriatic acid
  • Tank or well for acid and alkaline bath
  • Alkaline rinse
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pick a location outdoors to remove the chrome. Remove any items from the area that could be damaged if any acid were to spill on them.

    • 2

      Put on protective goggles, acid-resistant rubber boots, pants, jacket and gloves before you open the bottle of hydrochloric or muriatic acid. The protective items will likely be available for purchase through the same retailer where you purchased the acid.

    • 3

      Pour the acid into the tank so that it is deep enough to submerge the wedge. The acid will eat away at the chrome. Remove the wedge from the acid bath after all the chrome has been stripped from the club. The length of time needed with be different from wedge to wedge, depending on the quality of the original chrome plating process and the condition of the chrome. Leave the wedge in the acid for three to five minutes and inspect the wedge to see how much chrome has been removed.

    • 4

      Place the club into an alkaline rinse bath to neutralize the effects of the acid. The alkaline bath should be deep enough to submerge the club head completely. Allow the club to soak in the bath for five minutes before removing and rinsing. Place the club in a fresh water bath to remove any leftover residue from the alkaline bath.

    • 5

      Remove the club from the fresh water after a 15-minute rinse. Dry off the club head with an old towel. Do not use any polish on the club head, as it will inhibit the club's performance. (The chrome has been removed so the club can be more effective; adding polish will reduce the club's effectiveness.)