An electrolyte solution containing an alkylene glycol and a chloride salt
is useful for electropolishing metal substrates. An electropolishing
method using the electrolyte solution is effective for polishing a varied
of metals, including titanium and noble metals. The method avoids the
handling and disposal challenges associated with previous methods using
etching solutions containing hydrofluoric acid. A method of recycling the
spent electrolyte solution is also described.