How to Polish Chrome and Remove Rust

Nothing draws attention to your car like shiny, rust-free chrome. With age and lack of care, chrome becomes dirty and can develop rust. Removing the rust as soon as possible is imperative for stopping permanent damage. Chrome polishes come in liquids or paste, with most containing polymers, which coat the chrome with a protective residue creating a barrier between it and unwanted smudges. There are chrome polishes that are gentle, polishing away light scratches and smudges and grittier ones developed to remove rust and larger scratches on the chrome’s surface.

Things You'll Need

• Car washing soap
• Water
• Towels
• Terry cloth towels
• Cotton applicator pads
• Chrome polish
• Steel wool pad

Instructions

1. Move your car into the garage or an area that is shady before you begin working on the chrome and rust. This will help the chrome polish from drying too quickly, making it easier to remove.

2. Clean the chrome area that you will be working on, washing away any dirt, grime or sand that can further damage the chrome as you rub on it. Allow the chrome to completely dry before applying the chrome polish.

3. Use a cotton applicator to apply the chrome polish, such as a terrycloth towel or cotton polishing pads designed for applying car wax or polish.

4. Apply a small amount of chrome polish to your applicator and begin working on the rusty chrome by rubbing the chrome polish in a circular motion. Working on small sections at a time will make this job easier.

5. Buff the chrome polish off the chrome with a clean cotton towel when the polish turns hazy and before it dries or hardens completely, as it is more likely to streak and is harder to remove.

6. Rub a wet, household, steel wool scouring pad gently over the rusty area, if the chrome polish did not remove the rust. Work the scouring pad in circular motions on the rusted area until the rust is gone, being sure to work with a wet pad. Clean the area with a wet cloth, removing any remnants of rust and soap before applying more chrome polish.

7. Apply more chrome polish to your polish applicator and repeat the application process. Buff the chrome polish away when it is ready and the chrome should now be polished and rust-free.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular cleaning and polishing will cut down on the possibilities of your chrome becoming rusty and damaged.

• Read the label on your chrome polish to make sure you select one that is right for your particular situation. Some chromed areas of the car, such as the rims, are thinner and grittier chrome polishes will scratch them.

References

• Hawg Wash Cycle Care: Polishing Metal
• Bunchobikes: Steel Wool Versus Brass Wool
• Auto Media.com: Polishing Chrome

Resources

• Auto Media.com: Polishing Chrome