Any tips to clean new chrome?

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Feb 26, 2020 | 09:53 AM

Slyvest

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 105

Likes: 8

From: New York

Any tips to clean new chrome?

Have an 18 softail lowrider I bought from a guy who kept it in a shed. And when I say a shed I mean that it was basically an open barn. Because it sat in the elements it has some slight oxidation on the chrome. I took the tank off to do some work and see that the top of the engine needs attention.

I've always used mystery oil Steele wool aluminum foil all the basic stuff but I have also always had old bikes. This bike is new besides sitting out and it's not terrible yet but if I neglect it I'll have pitting.

What should I use to clean it? And is there a way to seal it? Also I am worried to use steele wool or aluminum foil I dont want to scratch it. Do I just polish it? Thanks

Feb 26, 2020 | 10:03 AM

Bass Player

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2018

Posts: 4,126

Likes: 2,117

From: W. MI.

Never Dull and a micro fiber cloth. Chrome polish works well but I use Never Dull first. That's just my way of doing it. I'm sure you will get many opinions.

Last edited by Bass Player; Feb 26, 2020 at 10:06 AM.

Feb 26, 2020 | 11:08 AM

Harleylife1

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2020

Posts: 2,333

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From: the South

I use a wax spray called protect all. works wonders!

Feb 26, 2020 | 11:35 AM

OldEnuf2NoBtr

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 9,165

Likes: 1,910

From: Doghouse... mostly

Pictures would help so we can see just what you're talking about and just how bad it may or may not be.

Feb 26, 2020 | 12:17 PM

gleam

Tourer

Joined: May 2018

Posts: 381

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From: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Hard to say without seeing it, as mentioned. In that situation I would be doing a "restoration"/heavy cleaning process, and chrome would be towards the end of that. If it's low on the bike and has grease and grime on it, I would deal with that first. It might seem wrong to wash crusty rusted parts, but any trapped dirt will just act like an abrasive if it's still there when you polish. Once the parts are clean, I would use steel wool and chrome polish to clean and polish. It has to be 'extra fine' 0000 steel wool, or whatever the finest grade is called. It has four aughts. I didn't think it would be okay to use either, but I tried it and it works great. It will even take out rust that seems very solid and dug in past the surface. The chrome polish I happen to have right now is Blue Magic but I'm sure any would do fine. Then I would buff with a bit more polish and a microfiber cloth to finish.

Show us some before and after pics.

Last edited by gleam; Feb 26, 2020 at 12:20 PM.

Feb 26, 2020 | 01:38 PM

TriGeezer

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 32,934

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From: Carlsbad, CA

Dele;fingbupon how bad it is. You could use chrome polish applied somewhat vigorously with 0000 Steel Wool. It must be 0000, as that polishes , anything less is too abrasive.

Feb 26, 2020 | 03:01 PM

marcodarq

Grand HDF Member

Joined: May 2014

Posts: 3,843

Likes: 1,174

From: florida

chrome polish, then wax it. make sure that you use a NON-abrasive wax, not a cleaner wax,,,,pure carnuba or something like that. Mothers makes a great polish and wax.
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