Stripping chrome off a stainless snare drum!

[jimcroisdale]

Hi all,

The drummer in my band has recently acquired an old Premier snare drum from the Seventies. The shell and rim are chromed stainless steel. However, it is a fairly poor state with the chrome flaking and peeling.

Whats the best way to strip the chrome off and prepare for re-chroming or powder coating? The shell is quite thin (1mm ish) so I don't want to damage it. Any ideas?

I do have some pics on my camera but I don't know how to attach them!

Cheers,

Jim

 

[piman]

Hello Jim,

the normal method is to use electrolysis, i.e take it to a chrome platers and get them to do it. Anything else will probably damage the finish. I'm rather puzzled why anyone should chrome plate stainless steel? (And before you say for a shiny finish, chrome doesn't give a shiny finish, it is the polishing of the base metal that gives the finish)

Alec

 

[jimcroisdale]

I don't understand? The flakes of chrome that peel of are 'mirror like', whereas the metal underneath is dull as dishwater!

Jim

 

[cobminor]

Chrome gives a shiny finish, polishing, or smoothing off, the base metal beforehand makes it a smooth and shiny finish.

 

[jimcroisdale]

I must be taking crazy pills! I have no idea what you mean! AAARRRGGGHHH!


Cheers,
Jim..........

 

[piman]

Hello Jim,

are you sure that the material is stainless steel?. Chromium plating is only a top layer, good plating starts with copper then, I think nickel before a final coat of chromium. Whatever finish you choose, the best method of removing the plating is electrolysis.

Alec

 

[Gasman]

If I remember rightly most of the vintage premier snares were pressed mild steel (or the posh ones were laminated birch) If the chrome is rough just tell your drummer to type "drum wrap" into flea-bay. Much less hassle and expense than chrome.

Anyway, How do you know that a guitarist is at the door?
He has no idea when to come in

 

[jimcroisdale]

Yeah, you're probably right. it's not very heavy and the rest of the cast parts are not that good quality, so it's probably pressed mild. Could i strip it with a wire brush grinder attachment and have it powdercoated?

Cheers,

Jim

P.S. If someone can tell me how to post pictures I can show you!

 

[piman]

Hello Jim,

if you want it powder coated, the people who do this can usually blast clean it for you?

Alec

 

[jimcroisdale]

Is sandblasting ok for this? I know a local guy that can do it.

 

[Hitch]

Jim, Posting pics....

1) You need to have them on your computer
2) Use the 'Go advanced' button when replying,
3) Scroll down to just below the text box, youll see a button 'Add Photographs', click it.
4) A window will open, select 'Browse' then its standard windows after that, select the pic you want to add, then click the 'Upload' button
5) Close the popup window, then finish your post as normal.

 

[jimcroisdale]

Here's a pic - fingers crossed!

 

[Hitch]

Nice one Jim

 

[piman]

Hello Jim,

as long as the abrasive is not too coarse. There are many different abrasives and grades so you need to know that the local guy knows his stuff.

Alec