Steel Wool on chrome

[A-train]

I had a detail today. It was a Lincoln Aviator. The wheels are chrome and were beyond bad. The owner told me they haven't had the vehicle washed in over a year. My process was as follows

Brown Royal - minimal results
Sonax FR- not much better
Iron x paste- took most of the brake dust and iron deposits but still left a nasty looking wheel.

They still looked this bad after two thorough cleaning with iron x.

These are after using 0000 steel wool
I misted the wheel with Ultima Cleaning lubricant.

Apologize in advance for the pic quality and not having a before shot.
Some may not think this method is safe and it may not always be the beat approach but I encountered no scratching and the owner was thrilled.

 

[BigBrad]

Dang.. I would of thought it would scratch then for sure! May have to try it.. Great turn around!!

 

[jd56]

4ot steel wool does not scratch chrome, it will remove service rust and corrosion very nicely as you can see, Iv been using it on motorcycles for years. its like claying the chrome lol.

 

[A-train]

I know what you mean. I tested it on a rear wheel in a small area first.

 

[BigBrad]

That's awesome to know! I will be buying some now for sure!!

 

[BMGz33]

Great job!

And yes steel wool will get rid of brake dust or soot... I cleaned my exhaust tips with steel wool #000 and it worked well too.

 

[WRAPT C5Z06]

It will scratch SOME chrome. I've seen it first hand.

 

[A-train]

What type of chrome and grade of steel wool.

 

[timaishu]

Steel wool has always worried me.

Would it scratch my stainless steel magna flow exhaust tips?

I dont let them get dirty enough to warrant steel wool. But I am curious non the less.

 

[Bunky]

It also depends on technique.

If you are rubbing very hard, not keeping it clean, and lubricated, you can see issues.

 

[ShineTimeDetail]

How about cleaning the wheels that are plastic but look like chrome...say 300 wheels or the dodge 20 inch truck wheels?

 

[Jacob Perry]

I use steel wool on all chrome usually. Just with plastic dont use pressure just rub it on. The results are fantastic

 

[Jacob Perry]

Get 0000 steel wool

 

[paskett]

I once used the 2000 grit pad that comes with headlight restoration kit to clean up steel wheels on a Dodge Ram, worked beautifully !!

 

[ScottB]

I have often been told brass wool (quad 0) is a better choice over steel wool as it doesnt leave some metal particles on surface. Anyone care to comment since brass wool is harder to find ??

 

[DARK HORSE]

I have often been told brass wool (quad 0) is a better choice over steel wool as it doesnt leave some metal particles on surface. Anyone care to comment since brass wool is harder to find ??

The theory here I believe is two fold; bronze wool is softer, and doesn't rust. Steel wool can leave very fine scratches on surfaces that can possibly rust. Bronze does not.

 

[Flash Gordon]

Been doing this for years....works well on stubborn alloys too

 

[Bunky]

I have often been told brass wool (quad 0) is a better choice over steel wool as it doesnt leave some metal particles on surface. Anyone care to comment since brass wool is harder to find ??

I picked up some at West Marine. They have several choices of sizes. It was like $10 for 3 pads.

 

[Flash Gordon]

I have often been told brass wool (quad 0) is a better choice over steel wool as it doesnt leave some metal particles on surface. Anyone care to comment since brass wool is harder to find ??

Isn't that the stuff the crackheads use in their crackpipes?!?!?!? Probally explains why it is so hard to find

 

[A-train]

I have often been told brass wool (quad 0) is a better choice over steel wool as it doesnt leave some metal particles on surface. Anyone care to comment since brass wool is harder to find ??

Have to check into that. Sounds good