Stripping brass finish off

[Moyboy]

Any ideas of what i can use to strip away the brass finish on MoY wheels etc.Thought I would start with something mild so tried soaking in vinegar for days but all it does is clean them and makes them like new again. I want to remove the brass so they are down to bare metal.

[matchboxmarcel]

I think nail paint remover.
Your wife may have it so you can try.

marcel

[GHOSTHUNTER]

I imagine something stronger like Caustic Soda may do it but please be aware of the safety issues with using stuff like that.

Ghosthunter.

[johnboy]

I've never tried it before on brass plating but perhaps caustic soda as Ghosty suggested, or maybe give some oven-cleaner and wire wool or a mini wire brush a try. Whatever you do, it's always safety first.

[YYS4BOB]

Mick, drop Ray a note on MOYBOYZ. He should have some advice.

[Idris]

If it's plating, then I would have thought you would have to remove it either electrolytically (i.e. unplate it) or mechanically.

[Diecastmolester]

Thick Bleach.
Throw them in and be amazed how that stuff disappears within seconds.
Also works well for removing "chrome" plating.

[Idris]

Thick Bleach.
Throw them in and be amazed how that stuff disappears within seconds.
Also works well for removing "chrome" plating.

I'd love to know the chemistry of that!

[Diecastmolester]

The bleach is caustic. It eats away the only a few molecules thick layer.

[Idris]

The bleach is caustic. It eats away the only a few molecules thick layer.

Hmmm...brass is zinc and copper. Looking on the Internet, mazak/zamak appears to be mainly zinc, plus aluminium, and copper (and some sources say it also contains magnesium, hence the 'm' in the name.)
I don't see why the bleach (NaOCl) should stop at the brass, especially since zinc (the main component of mazac/zamac) reacts with alkalis.