I've NEVER seen scratches successfully remove out of chrome.
I'm not saying it can't be done I'm just saying I've never been able to do it and I've never seen anyone else do it.
I've "heard" people talk about it but not a single person that has told me it can be done has back it up by showing me.
If it were me, I would machine buff all the chrome during the first correction step using the same pad, tool and product you use for the first correction step after you're done polishing the paint.
Simply run the buffing pad over the chrome and that will remove all the stains, films and oxidation and the results will be bright shiny chrome.
The scratches will still be there but at least the chrome will be shiny.
A forum member recently asked me about this here,
How to use the Flex 3401 Detailing Classes at Autogeek
There was a TON of chrome and stainless steel trim on this car and it looks just as bad as the paint. Click the link above to see just how bad.
After machine polishing both the paint and the chrome and the stainless steel trim, everything gleamed and the owner was very happy.
Here's a questions about this topic on page 2 of the above thread....
Mike, great results on that Chevy.
Why didn't you tape the car?
Great question. We actually don't tape classics with chrome or stainless steel trim because we buff it out just like the paint.
Chrome and stainless steel trim become dull, stained and in the case of stainless steel, it oxidizes. So when doing the first step, (the correction step), after buffing out the paint I practice and teach to take the same pad and product you're already using and run your buffer down the trim, including the bumpers. It only takes a few seconds and dramatically "brightens" all the brightwork.
Here's another classic car I detailed myself where I shared this tip/technique about 3 years ago.
See Step 7
How to use a one-step cleaner/wax to maximize profits
That's one of the reasons I prefer to work on muscle cars, street rods, classics and antiques.
NO PLASTIC TRIM TO TAPE OFF
Now this car was part of my last 3-day detailing boot camp class and at all my classes I have both old and new cars so we do go over how to detail modern cars with plastic exterior trim and how to properly tape-off a car.
Hope that helps....
