How do you detail chrome that is already in great condition ?

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tattooman

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The rear chrome bumper on my ford truck is fine, it doesn't have any issues. But as an experiment, I degreased and washed it, then used Mother's liquid Chrome Polish on a 3 inch DA buffer pad, worked it in, let it dry, then wiped it off. So far so good. But afterwards I could not tell a difference from when I started after cleaning it. As far as I can tell it didn't make any difference. When I work on paint, I get results. So why didn't I get any "results" with the chrome ? I'm aware that chrome is not paint by any stretch, but is there anything we can do in detailing that can give chrome that little extra bling ? Or is that not really possible with chrome ?
 
I’ve had similar experiences with Mothers chrome products. Whether it’s their [liquid] Chrome Polish or their All Chrome Spray, I can never tell a difference after using it. The only time I can tell a difference on chrome is when it actually needs some polishing or deep cleaning i.e. wheels or big chrome mirrors on an RV etc.

These days my go to for chrome bumpers like yours is Megs D151, which is basically just a cleaner wax. The reason I’ve decided on that is because most metal polishes aren’t recommended for chrome, and on the other hand I can’t ever tell a difference with the Mothers chrome stuff.. The cleaner wax, while it doesn’t make a world of difference on well maintained chrome at least offers protection + I’ve seen it clean up minor pitting and make a difference + it’s safe on plastic chrome.
 
If chrome is in good shape just use glass cleaner. It works for me.
 
I use a cleaner wax when 'chrome' has water marks, otherwise nothing.
 
•Your bumper is “decorative chrome”.
-Decorative chrome is as shiny as it’s
ever going to be, when it comes from
the OEM’s bumper vendor for installa-
tion at the assembly plant.


•Sounds like your cleaning/polishing efforts
at least kept the original shine intact.
-Give thanks for that.



Bob
 
As noted by FUNX650, chrome plating is a decorative finish, and thus much like glass it cannot be polished to make it any brighter than when it was new.

And the quality of chrome varies a lot.

Keep in mind that our chrome care products are developed to be safe for chrome; however we do make products specifically for metal polishing which are not safe for chrome.

And despite the term "polish" in our Mothers California Gold Chrome Polish, it does not perform any surface defect correction, but it does polish away film, stains and water spots.

If your chrome is already looking good, you'll at least get some peace of mind that you cleaned away any foreign material that may miss your eye, and provide protection as the formula does contain polymers to protect the finish from stains, rust and corrosion.

Our chrome care products are much like a cleaner wax for paint, but formulated specifically for chrome.

So does a chrome care product serve a purpose? I'd say definitely yes.

Does a chrome care product make a distinctive visual difference? Not always. But it is a good idea to apply them routinely.
 
Mothers metal polish. One of only two or three metal polishes I’ve ever used in 20 years of detailing. Stuff works. I like the anology of cleaner wax for chrome. As I was reading Jim’s response I was thinking the exact same thing.
 
I would get some Optimum Metal Polish and go over the whole thing lightly and then wipe clean. It has a protectant in it.

HUMP
 
From my experience it is a lot easier to screw chrome up than it is to improve its appearance. For that reason my regular chrome care is to simply keep it clean. Regular washings and/or wiping it down with a QD or a waterless/rinseless wash, spray wax, etc.

For the occasional deep cleanings to remove road film and such I use Meguiar's Cleaner Wax. I shy away from chrome polishes because I have seen some of them actually degrade the appearance of nice chrome.

Once you instill any fine scratches (like those you would call swirls in paint) they are there for eternity.
 
In my experience, at least some metal polishes that are advertised to also polish chrome are also more than likely to damage chrome -- I have done it. This is likely because polishes that are optimized to polish bare metal (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) can scratch chrome. This is why at Mothers we make a specific chrome-safe Chrome Polish liquid, and we've been making it for decades, and it's so gentle it's safe for glass. We also have our new All-Chrome spray (which came out a couple years ago) which is also safe for permanently-finished bright work like anodized aluminum and plastic chrome. The polishes in our chrome products not only clean in a safe manner, but also protect the finish.
 
Mothers chrome polish is a staple in my arsenal. I’ve found it to be effective on more than just chrome. Even if the metal isn’t totally blown out, a light wipe with it on a mf towel can clean up water spots and such really well. Even bugs and other annoying stuff.

I also have some megs plastx polish that I use for the faux chrome bits like mirror caps etc.


Sent from my iPhone using AGOnline
 
Funx and Jim, thank you. I looked up decorative chrome, and then I realized what it was, as compared to industrial or machine parts chrome treatment. Things are making more sense now. Jim - I didn't know some kinds of metal polishes can scratch decorate chrome, that's VERY good to know.

Thanks everyone. Merry Christmas !
 
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