Cleaning chrome

[Tarzan]

Morning all- silly question alert, is there a product/ method out there that will get small scratches out of Chrome without damaging the surounding area- thats it- have a great day:cool:

[Alex_UK]

Try Autosol (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_17 6475_langId_-1_categoryId_165527). You may never get scratches out from chrome completely, though.

[Canetoad]

Autosol is way too harsh for cleaning/polishing chrome. A product I've used on bikes and cars is Belgom Chromes. I think it's French. It's very mild and doesn't do any damage to the surface.

If you use a harsh polish on chrome it takes off the protective coating that protects the mirror finish below. Once you do that surface will deteriorate.

Belgom (http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=belgom+chromes&_sacat=See-All-Categories)

[goraman]

Flitz metal polish or never dull.
Both work very well and it is possible to remove surface scratches from chrome.
If all else fails try very fine jewelers rouge and a cotton buffer tip on a dremel tool.http://www.eastwood.com/buffing-compound-jewelers-rouge-1lb-bars3-pack.html?utm_content=11925&utm_campaign=GoogleSean02&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Merchant-Centre&SRCCODE=1SE0756&gclid=CJfJiZiuvq0CFQVvhwodpXsS_Q

If the scratch has gone through the chrome into the nickle or possably copper below it, rechrome plating is your only option.
Remember chrome plate is very thin so don't get carried away go slow and easy and keep checking for progress or over polishing as you go.

[goraman]

Autosol is way too harsh for cleaning/polishing chrome. A product I've used on bikes and cars is Belgom Chromes. I think it's French. It's very mild and doesn't do any damage to the surface.

If you use a harsh polish on chrome it takes off the protective coating that protects the mirror finish below. Once you do that surface will deteriorate.

Belgom (http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=belgom+chromes&_sacat=See-All-Categories)

chrome is the final plate in the process.If you buff through the chrome you get into the nickle underneath, if you go all the way through that you possibly hit copper.

Older British chrome was not tripple plate but nickle/chrome and peeled then rusted very fast .
I know this as I have had British motorcycles restored and was very involved in the chrome work.

A cool read for some one who wants to understand the process. http://www.finishing.com/faqs/chrome.html

So the thin protective layer is the chrome that gives the mirror finish.

[Tarzan]

Thanks for the help guys, l have some Fritz cleaning cream, l will give this a go:)

[ninedecks]

Thanks for the help guys, l have some Fritz cleaning cream, l will give this a go:)

I have an SME tonearm with a scratch on the arm, I would be interested in knowing how you got on with the Fritz.
Dave

[Tarzan]

Dave l have been calling it Fritz and in fact it is called Flitz:doh:, l had some already:doh: and l must say it worked brilliantly, light scratches now completely gone-result, thanks chaps:cool::).

[goraman]

Glad it did the trick,I have detailed a lot of classic cars and old motor cycles using both of those. Anything more aggressive dose more damage than good.

[Tarzan]

Yes, the Flitz seemed to be pretty mild- totally recommended, available on that auction site:)