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How to protect Chrome
- Thread starter Stl_GT
- Start date
True, Chrome plating is very thin. Breathing is defined by the ability or inability of the chrome and copper layer to release trapped moisture which does accumulate in the chrome on a daily basis. No matter how "finalized" or cured the layers appear.
"Dear Ryan:
Thank you for your inquiry. What causes chrome to lift and pit is the
inability for the copper, nickel and chrome layers to breathe. When chrome
plated materials are left dirty for an extended period of time, or sealed
with a wax, It traps moisture under the surface and causes the layers to
eventually lift. That's explains why a chrome polish or cleaner does not
contain any sealing characteristics. A clean chrome item will bead water as
if it was waxed, however without trapping moisture within its layers. For
light cleanings, a quality glass cleaner will do the trick.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Goodspeed"
Straight from the horses mouth.
"Dear Ryan:
Thank you for your inquiry. What causes chrome to lift and pit is the
inability for the copper, nickel and chrome layers to breathe. When chrome
plated materials are left dirty for an extended period of time, or sealed
with a wax, It traps moisture under the surface and causes the layers to
eventually lift. That's explains why a chrome polish or cleaner does not
contain any sealing characteristics. A clean chrome item will bead water as
if it was waxed, however without trapping moisture within its layers. For
light cleanings, a quality glass cleaner will do the trick.
Sincerely,
Jeremy Goodspeed"
Straight from the horses mouth.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Ryan- I really dunno if you should take that info from Mr. Goodspeed as gospel truth. Not trying to slam him or question his expertise, but *I've* been using (mild) chrome polishes topped with wax and/or sealants on chrome for a long, long, time. Never had a problem. No pitting/peeling/discoloration/problems of any kind on my Jag's chrome, for instance, and I've been treating it this way since '85.
Accumulator
Well-known member
Ryan- On the Jag, I've used Malm's liquid (that was back in the mid '80s), Meg's #16, P21S, Trade Secret, and Souveran. Probably used the Souveran more than any other. Some of the chrome that's hard to detail (as in, have to remove it from the car to get at it all) gets AIO/SG x many/wax.
I do the same on other cars' chrome, but as I've had the Jag the longest and it's been subjected to all kinds of conditions (and it has plenty of chrome), it seemed like the best example I could present.
I do the same on other cars' chrome, but as I've had the Jag the longest and it's been subjected to all kinds of conditions (and it has plenty of chrome), it seemed like the best example I could present.
onemansopinion
New member
Accumulator: have you tried the rope/strap-like product called "Luster Lace" on tail pipes? Seems to have worked pretty good, but I don't have any long-term experience with this product ... considering using it on other chrome.
Accumulator
Well-known member
onemansopinion- I've used it (actually the stuff Griot's sells under their brandname, but I'm pretty sure it's the same) on the Jag's tailpipes, but they're stainless, not chrome (worked fine). I haven't tried it on the chrome tips on my other cars, I use chrome polish on them. Dunno why, just the way I do things...