How to Take Pitted Chrome Off of Metal

Learn how to remove pitting from chrome.

Age and weathering are the primary causes of pitting in a chrome-finished surface. Pitting occurs as a result of corrosion. This tends to occur at an accelerated rate in snowy locations due to the salt and ice melting chemicals that are applied to the roadways. You can also see accelerated pitting in coastal regions, where the sea salt becomes vaporized and airborne. You can remove the corroded, pitted chrome by hand. A small amount of the chrome plating will come off during this process, but a bit of buffing can restore the surface sheen, giving it a decent, shiny appearance. In the case of severe pitting, you will need to have the part re-plated.

Things You'll Need

• Protective goggles
• Face mask
• Work gloves
• Steel wool (fine, medium and coarse texture)
• Buffer disc

Instructions

1. Don protective goggles, a face mask and work gloves.

2. Spray the chrome part with degreaser and wipe down with a rag to remove dirt, oil, grease and other debris.

3. Rub the chrome surface with coarse steel wool to remove the burrs and "craters" that have resulted from the pitting. Apply moderate pressure and rub in a circular motion.

4. Use progressively finer-textured steel wool pads to remove the pitted areas of chrome.

5. Use a disc buffer to shine and buff the chrome surface. Move the buffer over the metal in a circular motion.

6. Apply chrome polish with a rag, using a circular motion.

Tips & Warnings

• You may need to remove the chrome-plated part from the vehicle to allow for easy access to all portions of the surface. This is typically necessary for chrome rims, pipes and chrome engine components. Large, stable parts such as a chrome bumper or motorcycle handlebars can be left on the vehicle.

• You may opt to have the chrome part re-plated if a significant amount of pitting and corrosion is present.

• Many car and motorcycle owners will opt to strip off the damaged chrome plating on their own, as this will enable them to save on refinishing costs. The chrome plating can be removed using a hand grinder. You may opt to go this route if you find that a majority of the plating is flaking off in Step 3.

• To avoid pitting, keep the chrome clean and polished. Also, avoid driving the vehicle during the winter, when road salt and ice melting chemicals have been applied to the roadways.

• Many car owners will opt to remove chrome rims from the vehicle during the winter months. This will extend the lifespan of the chrome plating.

• Pieces of chrome will be removed as you eliminate the pitting. This is unavoidable, as the corrosion process has caused the chrome plating to separate from the underlying surface.

• This process will not return the chrome to a like-new finish. Re-plating is the only way to restore the chrome to its original appearance.

• Always wear protective goggles and face mask to avoid eye injuries and inhalation injuries due to airborne metal flakes and particles.

References

• Geno Storey, Owner ABC Automotive & Interiors, Cape Coral, Florida.