Some time ago, This Old House had a segment in which they mentioned faucets which had the chrome removed leaving a nice dull brass finish. Any hints on how to do this? Thanks.
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Take the fixture to a chrome plating shop, and have them de-plate it. There are layers of nickel plate and copper plate under the chrome plate. Just taking a wire wheel to it won't do it (without scarring the fixture something awful).
It'll cost plenty, but the corrosive and toxic chemicals needed make it NOT a D-I-Y job.
Cliff
This might be easier and cheaper . . . buy a brass fixture with a lacquer finish and remove the lacquer with solvent.
Best,
Seth
OK, This answer is from the fluff corner...
I saw on an HGTV program, Decorating With Style, where one of the guests did just what you want with this gizmo...In a nutshell, you had this soldering gun looking piece of equipment, which held a saturated little bit of cloth on the tip. You went over your faucet (they actually did use a faucet), first to de-ionize it or something. Then with another little rag with a remover solution, then with another one with the finish you wanted. In this case they were changing chrome to gold. They said it was real gold. Looked nifty. This was also a while ago.
So you should be able to find this thing in a well stocked craft store. But without a name or manufacturer, I wouldn't hold my breath.
FWIW my SIL had some bathroom accessories re-chromed. I don't think it cost that much.. she's pretty frugal.