Removing surface rust from chrome.

[Garry]

Here is a good tip on chrome cleaning and rust removal.

http://www.robertscycle.com/chrome-clean.html

Seems to work on my old hub caps.

Garry

[Peter van Es]

Worth sticking in the Technical Manual... In fact, I'll do that now!

[pagoden]

Capital.  I'd heard of the 'wad of aluminum foil on the rusty bumper' since 'way back in the other century but never with such detailed support, rationale, etc.; this is so much better.  Well done, Robert.  And Garry for bringing it to us.  And to Peter for so much of this site, wherein he filed it.   Appreciation and sincere thanks all, most especially our esteemed President and General Factotum. 

[mdsalemi]

http://youtu.be/MzRo6kFnps4

http://youtu.be/-UPO8aJh_6A

http://youtu.be/a4dmZrXXN-k

There are others to watch but the principles are the same.  Of course, once you have rust on chrome, you have compromised integrity of the chrome and the steel is exposed.  This will require eternal vigilance to keep the chrome coated with wax to minimize the rust reappearing.

[harleydan]

Which side of the aluminum foil is rubbed against the chrome...the shining or dull side?  Or does it matter?   Thanks.

Danny
1970 280SL Silver Euro 4-speed

[rb6667]

For those of you worried about scratching your chrome with aluminum foil, I have found Dupont # 7 Chrome Polish to be great in removing rust.  Been a big fan of this product for years.  It's a little hard to find....but it is the best for removing rust.

No affiliation here, just my own experiences with rust on chrome.

RB6667 


 

[cruising]

If you add coca-cola to the foil it works even better.

[mdsalemi]

If you add coca-cola to the foil it works even better.

It is reported that the very low level of phosphoric acid in Coca-Cola aids the process.  So does, however, either rust remover or chrome polish...

...without all that sugary mess! 

(BTW it's the same story with Coca Cola on windshield cleaning...)

[Flyair]

Michael


to avoid the sugary mess….use cola zero

[Jonny B]

And the chrome won't gain any weight either!

[al_lieffring]

The aluminum foil is more abraisive than the steel wool, even though steel is harder than aluminum, but because aluminum oxidizes instantly upon contact with air leaving it's surface covered with aluminum oxide, the same compound used as abrasive in sand paper. And shiny side or dull side of the foil doesn't matter.
 

[Bonnyboy]

I have been very happy with the results of using 0000 steel wool.   Only 0000 as it is really really fine.   Get something less than 0000 and you will see scratch marks all over.

I tried the aluminium foil on one section of my rusted bumper and thought I did a great job, then I went back later and realized I scratched it all up.   

I'll stick to 0000 steel wool sprayed with oil (not 000 or super fine but only trust 0000)  Furniture refinishers use it,