[N54ScoreAnd7BeersAgo]

Originally Posted by TOGWT

Chrome

Decorative chrome plating is sometimes called nickel-chrome plating because bright chrome plating always involves plating nickel before plating the chrome. Chromium is generally only 18 to 30 millionths of an inch thick. The nickel you see shining underneath it might be up to a thousandth of an inch thick, the nickel provides the reflectivity and most of the corrosion resistance. The chrome plating is exceptionally thin, measured in millionths of an inch rather than in thousandths.

Paint and chrome do not need to breath. There is nothing in wax that would cause chrome pitting, wax is often used when storing or transporting chromed items.

Cleaning Methodology

• Thoroughly rinse surface to remove any loose surface dirt or dust.
• Wash the surface with a d-Limonene-based (citrus) APC cleaner (P21S® Total Auto Wash)
• Use a cleaner (P21S Polishing Soap) to remove any surface blemishes
• Use a mild polish (Happich Semichrome Polish, Autosol or P21S® Multi-Surface Finish Restorer) to prevent re-oxidation and provide a water-resistant coating and restore lustre to the chrome
• To restore chrome that is pitted or has rust spots, remove with #0000 synthetic bronze wool and /or a metal polish (Auto Wenol Blue, or use Red for chrome restoration)
• Finally apply a polymer sealant (Zoopseal) to provide lasting protection

Due to the softness of the metallic plating it is very easy to induce a swirl marks to the finish so use straight-line motions only. Use a soft brush to remove any dried polish from seams or folds. For both chrome and highly polished aluminum, use a mildly abrasive metal polish (Iz™ Einszett Metal Polish or Groit's Chrome Polish) and a soft micro fibre towel.

Deep Chrome was designed to completely clean chrome surfaces without ever scratching. This product can be aggressively worked into a chrome surface, producing an amazing, almost-blue chrome finish. Easily removes water spots, most chemical stains, small boot marks, and the haze created by wax based chrome polishes and their protective coatings
Pitting, bubbling, flaking or lifting of the plating is impossible to remove by detailing, the chrome plating is an extremely thin coating that is easily damaged; have surface (s) professionally refinished. Some products might improve the look and protect from more widespread damage.

Vacuum-metalized (Plastic chrome) can be detected by tapping your fingernail on the surface; it has an obvious plastic tone to it, clean with a plastic cleaner / polish (Plexus) or a glass cleaner

Are you a wizard?