Chrome "erosion"-anybody seen this?

E-Dub · Post by **E-Dub** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 11:42 am

As I've mentioned in another thread, I've been cleaning my models. Yesterday I pulled down my "Pilgrim-Observer" and much of the chrome on all the plated pieces was just plain gone. I've never seen this before. Is this just a hazard with plated parts or might this have been a freak occurance?

Kylwell · Post by **Kylwell** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 12:21 pm

It happens. I'm sure the chemists here could tell us the how & why if needed. I usually strip chrome off anyways.

NNYGamer · Post by **NNYGamer** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 5:05 pm

That happened to a lot of my stuff i stored in my cellar, being the only place I could store stuff it was not ideal. Damp ruined boxes and decals and I swear the mildew ate the chrome.

Lt. Z0mBe · Post by **Lt. Z0mBe** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 9:54 pm

Kylwell wrote:It happens. I'm sure the chemists here could tell us the how & why if needed. I usually strip chrome off anyways.

Seconded. Some if them have a binder (closest thing I know to call it) under the chrome that almost has a gray-brown or beige color to it. On the rare occasion I have something pre-chromed, into the Super-Clean it goes.

Kenny

E-Dub · Post by **E-Dub** » Sat Nov 12, 2011 10:54 pm

Live and learn, I guess. Thanks guys.

Rogviler · Post by **Rogviler** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 12:40 am

It's because it's not really chrome, but basically a very fragile lacquer paint. It usually flakes off if you look at it wrong, so time, temperature, and moisture will definitely affect it. Since most of the time it's pretty out of scale anyway, it's usually a good idea to strip it and redo with the chrome replication method of your choice.

-Rog

Post by **TER-OR** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:54 pm

Speaking as a chemist, kit chrome is crap. Remove it and foil or Alclad it.

Rocketeer · Post by **Rocketeer** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 12:34 pm

I've seen that before. I suspect that what happens is that the final coat of clear lacquer doesn't adequately protect the shiny aluminum layer, which gets oxidized into (transparent) aluminum oxide.

I've also seen model cars (Revell, mid-eighties) where the final clear lacquer coat was omitted, and the aluminum rubbed off as you handled the part.

kenlilly106 · Post by **kenlilly106** » Mon Nov 21, 2011 1:54 pm

Rocketeer wrote:I've seen that before. I suspect that what happens is that the final coat of clear lacquer doesn't adequately protect the shiny aluminum layer, which gets oxidized into (transparent) aluminum oxide.

I agree, there was a GIJOE toy from the 80's that suffered from this problem as well:

http://www.yojoe.com/vehicles/90/skyraven/

The chrome plating wore off easily when playing with the toy, even sealed NIB examples when opened show erosion of the chrome plating.

Ken