So I have a set of chrome rims on my 2002 civic... but I don't really like chrome >.> I was wondering what the best method would be to strip the chrome off the rims so that I could repaint the rims to my liking, whether that be some sort of chemical strip, or sand blasting, or taking the wheels in somewhere to get it done for me.
And apologies in advance if I posted this in the wrong area, I wasn't sure if this post constituted as a tires/wheels post or a body/paint post.

 

yukie.....


if i were you i would just sell them to some thug and get the wheels you want

 

Wire wheel, sandpaper, lots of elbow grease.

Chrome is plated on, and is used as a protective layer. Most chemical paint strippers will probably be useless on chrome.

Of course, this begs the question, are you sure it's actually chrome? Many people seem to think that polished metal is chrome for some reason...

 

^ very true. More often then not on wheels the 'chrome' is just cheap junk, not a high quality job. I do know that chrome is one of the most difficult things to get paint to adhere to though, so you're going to want to get rid of all of it. Either grab a wire wheel and go to town or else pay someone to media blast them.

Just be aware though that blasting them with a media that's tough enough to kill the chrome will leave pitting. In order to refinish them properly afterwords, you will have to prime them with a quality filler primer (not spray can) and block them out. If you have a very intricate wheel design, you may just be better off selling them and buying a non-chrome set of wheels.