DIY: Rusted Chrome Feet
Chrome is a common plating technique used for a variety of applications, from household to automotive purposes as well as many others. Chrome plating is often used to provide a protective and decorative finish to the metal feet used on household accessories such as bathtubs and sinks. Over time, the chrome surfaces on these parts can become rusted if built up moisture is not wiped off periodically. Rust can sometimes be removed from chromed feet, though other times the rust may have damaged the feet beyond repair. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Chrome polish
- Fine steel wool
- Rags
- Water
- Rubber gloves
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Instructions
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Wipe the feet down with a wet rag and water to remove dirt and debris and to get a more accurate view of where exactly the rust is located.
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Apply a small amount of rust polish to a piece of fine steel wool. Use the fine steel wool to avoid scratching or marring the surface of the chromed feet.
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Rub the chrome polish onto the rust with the steel wool, moving in a circular pattern. Make sure that the steel wool stays wet with the chrome polish and add more polish as needed. Do not apply excessive pressure to the steel wool to avoid scratching the surface. Let the chrome polish do the work.
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Continue rubbing the polish onto the feet for several minutes or until the rust is removed. Rinse the chromed surface with water and wipe it down with a dry rag.
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Reapply the chrome polish with the steel wool if there is still rust on the feet. Continue the polishing and rinsing process until as much of the rust is removed as possible.
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Prevent the future buildup of rust by regularly wiping any moisture or water off of the chromed feet and then applying a layer of protective chrome polish.
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Tips & Warnings
If the chrome on the feet is flaking badly or deeply pitted, it likely cannot be polished back to its original state. In this case, the only option is to have the feet re-chromed by a plating shop or to use an alternative restoration method, such as stripping the chrome off and painting the feet.
