Cleaning Chrome and Keeping it Shining.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 613
Likes: 2
From: Tallmadge, Ohio
Cleaning Chrome and Keeping it Shining.
I noticed that there was some question on how best to keep chrome shiny, clean and protected so I did some searching on the internet and came across this from a chromer. Thought people might be interested in what she has to say.
"I am the female owner of Custom Wors Plating and Polishing. I noticed this question and couldn't resist answering. I get this question a lot from my customers and people on the street. Chrome is not anything more than a clear coat over your nickel to keep it from oxidizing. Using ANYTHING abrasive will cause you to literally rub the chrome off. The best thing to use on chrome is just plain old SOAP & WATER or GLASS CLEANER. You should always keep it waxed with a CARNUBA wax. This is non abrasive and will protect your chrome. Keeping chrome clean will preserve it for a long time. If your chrome is showing rust you should have it rechromed because if not it will continue to rust. This just means there is nothing covering the bare metal and will continue to rust. If you would like to see the true chrome process go to www.customworksplating.com or call me and I will help you as much as possible."
"I am the female owner of Custom Wors Plating and Polishing. I noticed this question and couldn't resist answering. I get this question a lot from my customers and people on the street. Chrome is not anything more than a clear coat over your nickel to keep it from oxidizing. Using ANYTHING abrasive will cause you to literally rub the chrome off. The best thing to use on chrome is just plain old SOAP & WATER or GLASS CLEANER. You should always keep it waxed with a CARNUBA wax. This is non abrasive and will protect your chrome. Keeping chrome clean will preserve it for a long time. If your chrome is showing rust you should have it rechromed because if not it will continue to rust. This just means there is nothing covering the bare metal and will continue to rust. If you would like to see the true chrome process go to www.customworksplating.com or call me and I will help you as much as possible."
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 12
From: SE Florida
That's interesting. I use the HD chrome stuff and it works great. Soft, easy to use and give the chrome a nice shine. Doesn't 'seem' very abrasive. I've never thought of using a Caranuba wax. I'll try it tomorrow!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 11
From: Longview, Washington
Best product IMO for chrome is S100 polishing soap. Simple to use, cleans and polishes at the same time.
I. Wet the bike.
2. Scrub the chrome with the provided sponge and polishing soap.
3. Rinse and you're done.
Watch this . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Iw631UsbI
I. Wet the bike.
2. Scrub the chrome with the provided sponge and polishing soap.
3. Rinse and you're done.
Watch this . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Iw631UsbI
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: MI
I like using simple green concentrated with a 1-10 dillution ratio, I usually mix 20oz of water with 2oz of simple green in a spray bottle, this cleans the entire bike, it works great, smells good, and doesn't hurt a thing, my dealer put me up on it. I use wesley's bleach for my white wall tires, simple green cleans them up really good, but it just seems like wesley's bleach gives a little deaper cleaning.
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 3
From: Plano, TX
I use this: http://www.autogeek.net/16ozsucigadi.html Best stuff for chrome I have found. Water spots and calcium rub right off.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
I use PLEXUS on all my chrome and it works awesome. It's promoted as a plastic cleaner but it is great on chrome. I know a lot of dealers who use it on their showroom bikes. Get a small can for under 10 bucks and try it out. It's also great to bring on trips to clean up your bike and windshield. You won't be disappointed.