Everything about polishing chrome parts on a car with your own hands

There's nothing like perfectly polished chrome to enhance your car and make it look newer. If the chrome on your car's bumpers, rims, hubcaps or trim is rusty or oxidized, you can restore it to its original shine.

Higher quality chrome plating will resist corrosion for a long time, but eventually all the chrome will corrode. Maintenance is very important for this material. If rusty chrome is left untreated for too long, it can become brittle and crack.

How to restore shine to chrome taps?

1. If the faucet has not been cleaned for a long time, then vinegar will help you. Dampen a soft cloth with vinegar, wipe the faucet with it, and the deposit will disappear as if by magic! ...
2. Suitable for cleaning chrome taps and soda. ...
3. Salt will help your faucet shine. ...
4. You can also use lemon.

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Car chrome care products

The main candidates for cleaning are door handles, chrome bumpers of retro cars, and rims. On modern models, chrome plating is found in the form of linings on doors, mirrors, bumpers, and interior elements. Over time, the coating fades, a gray coating and rust spots appear.

Preparations for cleaning shiny surfaces are divided into abrasive and chemical.

Abrasives include:

• Baking soda. Suitable for surfaces with damaged coating.
• Cleaning cream "Sif" removes dirt and copes with oil and grease.
• Chalk polishes well without scratching the surface.
• Toothpaste or powder. A fine abrasive removes light deposits.
• GOI paste is designed for glass and perfectly cleans metal. Has 3 grain sizes.

With experience, rust stains will go away and the surface will shine.

Non-abrasive chemicals – cleaning solutions:

• Silit spray to remove plaque and rust or a similar gel;
• Ammonia (ammonia) is found in glass cleaning fluids;
• Vinegar - food or apple vinegar is suitable;
• Citric acid is found in lemons and is sold dry in grocery stores;
• Alcohol - ethanol, isopropanol, methyl;
• Phosphoric acid (Coca-Cola, Fanta) is easily available for cleaning.

Wipe the part with a rag soaked in the composition. After 5 minutes, rinse with water.

Specialized automotive chemicals for chrome

Fine abrasive pastes and liquid polish cleaners are designed for cleaning, polishing and protecting chrome coatings. They are guaranteed not to corrode the paintwork, have a pleasant smell, and are convenient to work with. The packaging is reusable.

Treatment with toothpaste

Chrome plating adds a shiny, mirror-like effect to any metal surface.

The mild abrasive properties of regular toothpaste make it ideal for cleaning chrome.

The gentle cleaning action can remove stains without damaging the mirror surface.

1. Apply a dime-size amount of non-gel toothpaste
2. Rub a thin, even layer of toothpaste onto the chrome.
3. Polish the chrome with a clean, dry cloth until it shines.

With your own hands

First, let's imagine what to do if there is no machine.

Without a machine at home:

1. You must remove the chrome piece if possible. You may have to look up how to disassemble the bumper. This will allow you to treat any rusty areas on the underside of the part.
2. If you need to restore chrome parts directly on your car, use masking tape to separate the chrome from the rest of the car. It is better to use a wider type of tape that will protect the car paint from the abrasive created during the polishing process.
3. Using a wire brush or sandpaper, remove as much flake rust from the metal surface as possible. Then remove the dust using soap and water.
4. Afterwards you need to apply a special paint coating to protect against rust (for example, POR). This will help protect the part from future corrosion. Be sure to follow product instructions for application and drying time. This will complete the process of cleaning the invisible surface of the metal part.
5. Clean the exterior of the chrome thoroughly. Use a simple glass cleaner and paper towel to remove dust and dirt that may have accumulated over time. As you clean the chrome, the rust spots will become more visible.
6. Once the surface is free of dirt and debris, it's time to treat the rust stains. You should use a metal polish and a fine "steel wool" sponge. The best choice - Turtle Wax Chrome for polishing and rust removal.
   

   Important! Most professionals use fine grades of "steel wool" to remove rust from chrome.

   It's quick and easy. Please be careful if you choose this option as even fine (#000) or extra fine (#0000) steel wool will leave minor scratches that you will need to buff out with metallic or chrome polish. Another product that works well is household steel wool soap. Soap acts as a cleaner and lubricant to prevent scratches (use plenty of water).

7. Apply metal polish to the sponge, then wipe the surface. Make quick movements back and forth and move across the entire surface of the chrome piece. Try to apply a fairly even amount of polish over the entire surface. Thoroughly clean any spots that show more advanced signs of corrosion.
   

   Steel wool is abrasive and should be kept away from the vehicle's body as it will scratch the paint.

8. If you notice rust in the cracks, use a toothbrush to scrub it with metal polish. Wet a toothbrush, dip it in polish, then use it to scrub hard-to-reach areas.
9. Allow the metal polish to dry completely according to the product instructions.
10. Once the metal polish is dry, use the dry side of the steel wool pad to sand it down. Take the time to polish the entire surface of the chrome and remove any dried metal polish particles. Rinse off any remaining product from the metal with clean water.
11. Finally, use a microfiber cloth to remove any remaining product and polish the chrome. Go over all surfaces until they are shiny.

Ready! Hand polishing is completed. Now let's look at what to do if you have a machine.

With a machine or drill

The instructions here are much shorter:

1. Clean the metal surface from dirt and large clusters of corrosion using a grinding wheel.
2. Apply polish to the surface.
3. Place the polishing wheel into the machine.
4. Go over the entire surface.
5. Clamp a microfiber cloth over the circle or wipe the surface by hand.
6. Ready!

Coating defects

• Scratches occur as a result of careless handling of the car, collisions with objects, or damage to the top protective layer. Scratch removal is the most popular service in salons.
• Cold cracks are one of the most common defects found in electroplated materials. They appear on metal that has been hardened at various stages, appearing on the surface of the metal in the form of marks or lines. Cold cracks form when the flow of molten metal reaches the cooler surface of the matrix. Due to the difference in temperature between the molten metal and the cold matrix, rapid cooling occurs in the molten metal.
• Pitting corrosion. Represents small holes on the surface of an object. Thicker deposits are more susceptible to pitting as they increase in size as the deposit increases, and remanufactured parts tend to exhibit this defect more than new parts. The source of pitting refers to the surface of the metal, although its specific causes may vary. In some cases, smoke suppression chemicals can cause pitting.
• Chips on the edges. The geometry of objects plays a big role in how they are plated. The process itself depends on the current, which triggers a reaction on the surface of the part and attracts cations. Certain geometric shapes will result in more attractiveness than others. Sharp edges – current distribution in galvanization.
• Cleavage is the separation of a solid along a structural plane. When galvanized, this can cause problems with structural rigidity. Split points are created during the injection molding process.
• Non-metallic impurities . One of the easiest ways to guarantee problems with plating is to have a dirty surface on the site. This may be the result of manufacturing problems, handling, contamination or slagging of the equipment. A highly qualified electroplating specialist will always inspect the site to ensure proper cleanliness.

Comparison table by brand

Procedure

The extent of the damage is very difficult to assess if the chrome part is not cleaned of dirt. This must be done very carefully, since the chrome film is very thin. When performing cleaning, the following rules must be observed:

• Work only in a warm room or outdoors at above-zero temperatures. Temperature changes during work are unacceptable.
• Do not use products containing salt for cleaning.
• It is forbidden to use rough rags and napkins with a corrugated surface.

First, rinse the part with warm water and then wipe with gasoline. You may need to repeat this procedure several times.

If dirty plaque remains in some hard-to-reach places, it can be removed from there with an old soft-bristle toothbrush.

To prevent corrosion from harming neighboring areas of chromium, the source of damage must be localized. This can be done using regular wax or polish.

Processing equipment

Important! In cases where manual polishing is not suitable, machines and grinding wheels are used.

Drill attachments

They come in different diameters and dispersion. They have the shape of a circle of small thickness. They are classified as consumables, since after a couple of polishings they become unusable.

Polishing machines

The polish itself. Such machines are worth their weight in gold, as they save a lot of time and effort for the master. They vary in power and functionality (rpm). The cheapest machine costs about 1,200 rubles, but it is small and is unlikely to save time. Only money.

What polishing wheels are used for different pastes?

Pastes have different dispersion and in order for everything to work as it should, they need to be applied to circles that correspond to the size of the paste fractions. The instructions for the paste will contain a compatibility table and recommendations from the manufacturer regarding the selection of pastes.

Circles are:

• classic;
• petal;
• folded;
• wavy;
• ring.

The number of combinations, options, and polishing modes is actually large. Let's look at one example of manual and machine processing of chrome coatings below.

Cost of cleaning chrome on a car

The polishing company offers favorable conditions for car chrome cleaning services and restoring the shine of chrome parts:

• system of discounts for site visitors;
• discount for regular customers;
• high quality professional detailing.
• By contacting our center, you receive high-quality and professional chrome cleaning services.

We use only proven lines of car care products, as we are official partners of 20 world-famous brands. Professional restoration of chrome shine after high-quality cleaning, ordered from our center, will save you from the need to replace expensive parts.

All prices are valid until - click here.

How to care for chrome plating

Chrome-plated products can be found almost everywhere today, but most often chrome is applied to parts used to complete automobiles. Due to the nature of vehicle operation, chrome-plated elements of a car are subject to the most negative influence of external factors. That is why special attention should be paid to the care of such parts. In order not to restore or change them in the future if the chrome coating becomes damaged or loses its attractiveness, it is enough to monitor their condition and regularly perform simple preventive maintenance. Every car enthusiast who cares about the appearance of his vehicle is able to perform such work.

Fresh oxides on shiny car parts can be removed with a special paste for restoring chrome coatings.

To maintain the chrome plating in its original condition and prevent damage that requires its restoration, it must be regularly wiped with a foam sponge or soft cloth soaked in warm water. When performing such work, you should not use a rough cloth or a hard sponge, which can leave small scratches and abrasions on the protective layer, which will lead to its tarnishing.

It is important to know that the chromium layer on the surface of the product is quite critical to temperature changes. Therefore, in order to eliminate the need for a chrome restoration procedure, when operating a car in the cold season, it is best to protect chrome parts with a special oil spray, and carry out their cleaning and maintenance in a warm garage.

Manufacturers of car cosmetics offer a wide range of products for the care of chrome surfaces

Work execution algorithm

Once everything is prepared, you can free up some space in the garage and get to work. We take any of the dismantled disks and fix it using a tire changing machine or any large vice. It would be a good idea to wear a respirator and rubber gloves on your hands.

Step-by-step instructions for performing the work will consist of the following steps:

1. First, take a piece of coarse-grain sandpaper and remove the top layer of coating from the disc. After this comes the turn of medium-grained sandpaper; lastly, we will work with fine-grained sandpaper. The deepest irregularities can be removed with a grinder, but this must be done very, very carefully.
2. It's time to pick up a drill to polish aluminum or other wheels. The felt circle is secured with Velcro. Squeeze out a small amount of GOI paste and polish it evenly over the entire area of ​​the wheel rim. As a result, we should get an almost mirror-like surface at the output.
3. Now the wheel rim needs to be thoroughly rubbed with a clean rag. Once the procedure is completed, you can change the felt disk to a woolen one. A small amount of metal polishing paste is applied to it, which should have a protective effect. The final polishing of the wheel begins. It is performed at low speeds in a circular motion.
4. All that remains is to assemble the disks and mount them in their original places and lower the car from the jack.

Features of removing scratches on plastic

It's important to note the difference between plastic chrome , which most modern cars use to achieve a mirror-like finish, and metallic chrome .

Metallic chrome was commonly used on classic and antique cars. Differs from plastic in how you polish and restore them.

A quick way to check this is to use a magnet and check whether there is attraction between your piece or not.

If there is attraction, you can polish it like a metal object.

Preparation

Before applying polish to a chrome surface, it is important to ensure that it is thoroughly cleaned. Any dirt left on it can damage the finish when using polishing compound (especially if you use a power tool to polish the surface). Using a clean cotton cloth, apply a small amount of polish to the cloth. Then work gently in small areas, rubbing the chrome with a cloth.

Restoring chrome trim

1. Use the cleaner to remove traces of grease and stains. The use of substances containing acids is acceptable, but the solution must be removed from the part immediately.
2. For minor damage, you will need either polish or simple chalk (tooth powder). The polish can be replaced with GOI paste, which is diluted with a couple of drops of engine oil.
3. For strong polishing, you can use felt. Otherwise, a soft cloth will do.

Restoring the shine of parts on motorcycles “to the mirror”

By polishing you can restore the chrome on motorcycle collectors, remove scratches, rust and traces of soot.

Important! The main task is not to polish new scratches.

This happens when you use pastes with a large grain size, but this can be corrected by subsequent use of fine-grained polishes.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. First, the motorcycle manifold must be cleaned of grease, oil and dirt. To better clean the collector, it is best to use Fairy or stove cleaning products.
2. If it is not seriously damaged, then use a soft metal brush attached to a drill or grinder to remove dirt, but not darkening. First, use abrasive wheels with a grain of 360 or 400, but if using a grinder or drill, then 220 or 360 (150 is already too rough for chrome).
3. In the first approaches, you need to strip it as much as possible to bare metal. There will be a lot of sandpaper marks left on it.
4. After this, we level the surface of the metal, gradually using smaller abrasive wheels. Having cleared the 400, we take the 800. Then 1000 or 1200 and so on up to 2–3 thousand. The quality of polishing will depend solely on the grain size.

Polishing the Badge
Many motorcycles have badges or emblems that display the manufacturer's coat of arms or company name. These badges are easy to clean with a soft toothbrush or a special brush and soapy water.

If the dirt is stubborn, use a stronger cleaner such as 303 Aerospace Cleaner. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with water after using one of these cleaners.

After cleaning, protect the badge with a layer of wax or sealant . Remove excess wax with spray and a clean toothbrush. If you have old wax deposits or stains that need to be removed, try a wax remover.

Name emblems are often more difficult to clean and wax than badges . Most often, the emblem is a figure that is located directly on the paint. Wax around these emblems is a problem as there will be no polishing cloth between the floors to remove any remaining wax. In this case, use cotton swabs or wrap the head of the toothbrush with one layer of cotton material.

Chromium restoration

Most beautiful elements lose their properties and appearance over time, and there are two options left: buying a new one, or restoring an old item. The last point is often used to improve images of historical values ​​and make them more resistant to negative influences. In everyday life, people can also resort to similar methods, because sometimes it is cheaper and faster. But if the question arises of how to restore chrome yourself, then many difficulties arise. The development of modern technologies does not stand still, but there are few reasonable solutions. There are also difficulties with finding equipment and components, lack of time and patience.

And if the question arises about working with a regular faucet in the bathroom, you need to weigh the pros and cons. After all, it’s cheaper and faster to buy a new faucet than to call a specialist and overpay for repairs. And without knowledge of chemistry and physics, it is wiser not to start studying.

It is important to note that sometimes chromium reduction is not a possible process. Irreversible damage or the base on which the layer was applied under special industrial conditions is to blame.

How to polish a car with GOI paste

To ensure the beauty and safety of the car body from destruction, it is necessary to carry out polishing regularly. The main element that helps protect or restore the surface is polishing paste. This is a special mixture consisting of micropowders and solid or ointment-like binders.

Classification of polishing pastes

The properties of car polish help to achieve the desired effect on the body surface without expensive work.

With its help, you can do it yourself to eliminate scuffs, chips or scratches on the surface of the car body, which over time can lead to metal corrosion.

In addition, a protective layer is applied, which is a barrier against aggressive environmental factors.

Before you polish your car yourself, you should select the appropriate material. There are a huge number of polishing products on the market, which vary in quality and properties. Therefore, when choosing a polish, you should focus on the planned types of work. The success and quality of the manipulations depends on the correct selection.

Corrosion removal

Restoring chrome car parts is a fairly quick (sometimes do-it-yourself) repair. Here's a clear step-by-step guide:

1. Insulate the chrome part.
2. Scrape off the rust using a sanding wheel or wire brush. Without this, it will not be possible to get to the source of corrosion.
3. Treat the entire surface of the metal using a cleaning starter kit.
4. Renew the chrome coating using Mannol Chrom Politur (description below).
5. Apply rust preventative .

Let's look at the process and the tools used in more detail below.