sanding off chrome plating to paint or ???

20 years ago

We have one of those chrome recessed TP holders in the bathroom. I went looking (store and online) for ones in a Oil Rubbed Bronze or iron/black finish yesterday. All I could find were ones that mount on the wall and then project out. We need to have the recessed kind due to space restrictions. Plus would have to re-do the drywall if we removed it.

I'm starting to think about sanding off the chrome or de-glossing it enough to paint. Anyone sanded off chrome before, then painted or patinated with something else? What's usually underneath chrome? If it's brass I could do a nice patina with that...

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Comments (5)

jeffinmonterey
20 years ago
If you really need this type of design, AND you really can't find a replacement, then you might try a commercial plating firm. They can electrically strip off the chrome and replate practically any color you need.
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
20 years ago
It's set so beautifully into the drywall I'm afraid I could never replace it so well!
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kudzu9
20 years ago
linnea-
Usually these things are mounted by cutting a rough hole into the wall and fixing them in place with a couple of screws. If you're thinking of doing anything with this while it's in place you'll truly have a mess on your hands.
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
20 years ago
Do you mean sanding while it's in place would be messy? I wasn't thinking anything chemical. I'm pretty neat while sanding...unless there's something different about sanding chrome? I'ver sanded off other platings though never chrome. Does it flake?
kudzu9
20 years ago
linnea-
Sorry...didn't see your re-post until now. I did mean both sanding in place and finishing in place. I also should have mentioned that metal dusts are toxic and you should have an appropriate respirator and ventilated workspace if you do this.