How to Make a Dull Chrome Rim Shine
A number of impurities can cause chrome rims to become dull. They include dirt, mud and salt. Dirt and mud can accumulate around chrome rims on a daily basis and dull the finish. If you drive the vehicle in an area near salt water, the salt from the water can carry through the air and settle on the chrome rims, which also will cause a dull finish. Cleaning, polishing and waxing will remove a dull finish and make chrome rims shine again.
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Things You'll Need
- Clean water
- Liquid dish washing soap
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Clean, soft cloths
- Chrome wheel polish
- Chrome wheel wax
Instructions
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Clean the chrome rim thoroughly with a mixture of clean water and liquid dish washing soap. Use a sponge to scrub the soapy water onto the chrome finish.
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2
Rinse the soapy water off with clean water. Dry the chrome rim thoroughly with a clean, dry soft cloth.
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3
Apply a generous coat of chrome polish with a clean, dry soft cloth. Make small circular motions with the cloth to rub the polish into the dull chrome.
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Wait for the polish to haze over -- it will be dry, and the chrome will be less visible and have a cloudy look to it. Buff the polish off of the rim with a clean, soft cloth. Add another coat of polish to the chrome rim if necessary to improve the finish.
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5
Apply a generous amount of chrome rim wax after you have completely buffed off the polish. Make small circular motions with a soft cloth to rub the wax into the chrome rim.
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Wait for the wax to completely haze over. Buff the wax off of the rim with a clean, soft cloth. Apply additional coats of the chrome rim wax to achieve the shiny finish you want on the chrome rim.
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Tips & Warnings
Clean and polish chrome rims on a regular basis to prevent excessive dirt, mud or salt buildup from dulling the finish.
Chrome rim polish and chrome rim wax can be found at most major auto parts stores.
Most auto parts stores also carry chrome rim cleaner, which can be used in place of soap and water.
Do not use harsh abrasives or harsh cleaning materials on chrome rims. This can damage the chrome and make it look worse than the dull finish.
References
- "Mothers 05208 Chrome Polish - 8 oz. Instruction Packet"; Mothers Inc.; 2009
- Wheel Trends: How to Polish Chrome Rims
- Clean Image: How to Polish Chrome Rims
