Chrome Polishing Tools and Tips

I have been reading for the best way to polish up my chrome wheels. I have Turtlewax Chrome Polish, so there is one tool down. I have read that using steel wool helps a bunch. But I'm pretty sure I should use the finer steel wool? What is steel wool measured in- gauge, grit, etc? Then after I rub in the polish with the steel wool and let it sit, I wipe it all off with a micro fiber cloth.

Am I correct? Please help if I'm missing a step or a handy tool. Thanks a lot.

 

zeros or o's , more zeros is the finer the "grit" go with 0000, also called 4 O

 

Ok thanks Kurt.

 

0000 is the finest steel wool you can get - but don't use it on the painted areas of the wheel, just on the chrome portions. The black areas can be repainted with a semi/satin gloss black to make then look new again. There have been several threads on repainting rally wheels. 0000 steel wool can also be used to polish stainless trim and glass, and its also great for removing any overspray on refurbished parts. It will damage painted areas, so take care when polishing parts that are still mounted on or near a painted surface. :TU:

 

I'll keep all that in mind. But do I rub the surface with the wool while the polish is on it or before or after?

 

. . . or with polish - as it lubricates, and helps cut the 'crud' a little faster !
When the haze forms, buff with the MF cloth and protect that shiny finish with a good waxing ! :TU:

 

Thanks fellas. I'll try to do this soon and post some pics of my shiny new wheels. :TU:

 

Hi Matt
I use a chrome cleaner and polisher called NeverDull and it works great on the wheels also and chrome in general, walmart has it or alot of auto parts stores carry it. It is a great cleaner. Just FYI
Thanks
John Nichols

 

Before the Army went to Brass called Stay Brite, we used to use Never Dull on our brass. Great stuff for polishing. I used it along with the 4-0 steel wool on all my chrome.

 

Thanks John. I'll look into that stuff.

 

Just ask any sailor that was in the Navy about Never-Dull. That stuff goes WAAAAAY BACK for shining all the brass bright work on the ships.

MIL-I-22590

Lol! I can't believe I can still remember the milspec number!

 

Lifer.:laugh:

 

Hi guys
It was a old Navy guy that got me started with it on my car,If i remember he said the Navy quit using it because it is flammable. It really shines up chrome
and brass. i really like it.I told my brother about awhile back how good it was
he bought a can and liked it ,he told his wife how well it worked, one day while he is at work his wife thought it was so good she would use it on the hood of their Mountainer. Man that stuff really dulls paint. One of the last laughs i had with my brother and i still smile when i think about it. Sorry about rambling but it is a good cleaner polisher.
John Nichols

 

. . . on metal only, not on painted surfaces ! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
It also works wonders on aluminum too - how do you think they keep Airforce One sooooooo shiny ? :TU:

 

I remember when that all came about, but it is still around. It just had to be handled and stored appropriately. This was true for a lot of things that required to be checked out in limited quantities, an MSDS, and stored in a hazmat locker, etc. These requirements were a bit more strict because of its shipbard use, but this was all part of the evolution of OSHA based regulation.

Anyway---- The stuff works!

 

I use a polish called Simichrome. It was recommended to me by a guy with a custom built Harley that had LOTS of chrome. Simichrome is made in Germany, and is very expensive ($10 for 1.76oz) but is without question,the best polish I have ever used. On nice chrome, I apply it with a cotton terry cloth. On ratty chrome I apply it with OOOO steel wool. Rub until it hazes, then wipe with a clean 100% cotton, or micro fiber cloth. AMAZING STUFF!!!

 

Another excellent metal polish that is made in Germany - AUTOSOL. :bglasses:
Not that easy to find, but try your local Harley Davidson bike shop. A little less expensive than Simichrome, at about $10 for a 3.33 oz. tube, just like toothpaste, and will work wonders on chrome, aluminum, copper, brass, or anything that shines - except those tender vacumm chrome plated plastic parts.
Just a throwback to the good old motorcycle days ! :TU: