Removing gold plating from hardware?

[Robert Parker]

I would really like to have white (chrome or nickel) hardware on my studio lite, but I'm kinda cheap and don't want to pay for new hardware when what I have works perfectly well. Is there a good way to remove that gold plating on the hardware I have and still have it look good and function well?

 

[formula73]

You'll probably have to spend a lot of time on it, but you'd be suprised at how fast brasso or a similar metal polish will cut through the gold.

 

[BCRGreg]

put it in the same room with me and the gold will FLY off.

OR.....

Easy Off oven cleaner.

 

[Xavier_32]

put it in the same room with me and the gold will FLY off.

OR.....

Easy Off oven cleaner.

+1. Just about any abrasive cleaner will work too (think ajax,) even without rubbing. Just make a paste with some water and leave it on there for a few minutes.

 

[Xavier_32]

Also; Greg, can you please explain how this discovery came to be?

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx0qrGl6qNE[/ame]

I accidentally clicked the youtube link in your sig and poked around, only to see that.

 

[Paragon]

Also; Greg, can you please explain how this discovery came to be?

I accidentally clicked the youtube link in your sig and poked around, only to see that.

That is the reverse electroplating process Greg uses to remove gold plating.

 

[MRJ5]

Also; Greg, can you please explain how this discovery came to be?

While playing "Electric Choo-Choo" one day the Grumpy old guitar fixer stumbled on a new hairstyling tip.

 

[Xavier_32]

 

[S_I_N_13]

just keep touching it, it will be gone before you know it.

 

[moreguitars70]

just keep touching it, it will be gone before you know it.

That's what she said. Sorry I couldn't resist

 

[zontar]

Playing them helps--but it takes too long--try the serious methods above.
(And on my Les Paul, which I got used--most of the gold was already worn off--some of it still hasn't--and the pieces I replaced were not gold.

We'll see how long it lasts on my Ibanez Artcore.

 

[JJ Blair]

I just did this with some '50s gold plated Gibson parts. I used a product called "Magic Blue Metal Polish" that you can get at Pep Boys. A little elbow grease, maybe a dremel with a polishing attachment for some of the smaller places, and you'll get the gold off no problem, while leaving the nickel intact. It worked beautifully for me.