I have found that Muriatic Acid (dilute hydrochloric acid) will totally remove the bright chromate plating from modern fasteners. It is very fast & easily washes off with water. This is available at most hardware stores & is used to clean concrete & as a drain cleaner.
It is best to submerge the parts in the acid until the fizzing stops. The same acid will clean hundreds of fasteners if you keep it in a jar with a lid.
Eye protection, rubber gloves & good ventilation are a must.
Heavily plated items will leave a dark residue which comes off with a wire wheel easily prior to painting.
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