reverse electroplating

[richardHaw]

thanks everybody!

I may try and see if I can get phosphoric acid. phosphoric and citric acid works for electroless plating like the ones used for scale models but not for electrolysis plated metals 
This is the reason why Coke works because it has phosphoric and citric acid in it.

hydroflouric acid is a no-go. the fumes are hazardous. we used this at school several decades ago in experiments and I will not forget that thing.

yes, I heard acetone/ammonia can also work.

I need low dilutions of sulphuric acid so battery acid will probably work if I thin it with tap water. not worried about mineral stains since I will do a paint-over. wait, i have a gallon of distilled water at home for D-76!

Thanks everybody for the help! I just consolidated my reply into one single post.

[richardHaw]

update: looks like I can get 10% sulfuric acid from Rakuten 

so that's one problem fixed, now all I am thinking is my family. the fumes emitted from the process of adding the acid to the water (never the other way around) isn't healthy. I guess 10% is more than enough for what I need and it will strip it in a matter of seconds. we only use very weak concentrations back home and we add dish washing liquid to prevent pitting of the brass.

I am seriously considering a weaker acid now. nevermind that it takes minutes so long as it's not as toxic.