Chrome / Fake Chrome

**Y2KSVT** · 05-19-2011, 10:20 AM

Okay, so a recent question on here got me thinking. How can you distinguish between real chrome, and something like a piece of trim that is really just plastic with a chrome film?

To expand on that question, if you're able to tell that what you're working on isn't actually chrome, and is just a chrome-filmed plastic, is there anything that can be used to polish these pieces? I assume those pieces will swirl, just like a painted surface, so how do you go about correcting those pieces?

Mark

**CEE DOG** · 05-19-2011, 10:30 AM

You can use a magnet for material i.d.

Originally Posted by richy

I have had very, very good luck polishing different metal (chrome, stainless, etc) with a small white wool pad and M105 on my rotary. Collinite Metal Wax is also another great product you can use after this step. You can put it on with a rotary and a small foam pad. It will shine like crazy!!

I would do a search on "polish chrome" in the AG search box as well. This will give you a bunch of info on different products and techniques.

**FUNX650** · 05-19-2011, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by CEE DOG

You can use a magnet for material i.d.
I agree!

I would do a search on "polish chrome" in the AG search box as well. This will give you a bunch of info on different products and techniques.

"Plastic Chrome" is basically ABS or ABS+PC that has been coated by an electrolyte deposition of chromium (sometimes aluminum) process. This vacuum-metalized plastic"s film is very thin. Non-abrasive products should be your choice for maintenance as abrasives will only induce more scratches and the ultimate removal of this very thin coating. PlastX, Plexus, glass cleaners, a pure carnuba wax, detail sprays--or similar products that has no abrasives. IMO, Forrest@Mother's would be a good source to tap into.

**Y2KSVT** · 05-19-2011, 11:27 AM

FUNX725,
Wow, great information! I wasn't sure if any abrasives should be used (I was thinking, maybe M205 by hand), but now I know to avoid them. I'll just top them with a carnauba wax when the rest of the paint is getting protected.

Corey,
I did a search, but everything I was coming up with talked about real chrome. Thanks for the suggestion, though!

Mark

**PA DETAILER** · 05-19-2011, 11:33 AM

Originally Posted by FUNX725

"Plastic Chrome" is basically ABS or ABS+PC that has been coated by an electrolyte deposition of chromium (sometimes aluminum) process. This vacuum-metalized plastic"s film is very thin. Non-abrasive products should be your choice for maintenance as abrasives will only induce more scratches and the ultimate removal of this very thin coating. PlastX, Plexus, glass cleaners, a pure carnuba wax, detail sprays--or similar products that has no abrasives. IMO, Forrest@Mother's would be a good source to tap into.

great advice. my gmc grille is made of this. nothing but a cleaner wax or something with NO abrasives! sealant/pure wax etc. my wheels are also this way. not a true chrome from the factory but chrome "skins". also have to be carefull with them too.

**richy** · 05-19-2011, 11:42 AM

P21S polishing soap is a good product for that. It has very slight abrasiveness to it and offers protection on its own. Another great choice is collinite metal wax.

**FUNX650** · 05-19-2011, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by richy

Another great choice is collinite metal wax.

I have never used this product, but after reading the description/usages and its MSDS, I'm going to give it a try on some of my stainless and chrome parts. I saw where one its chemical compounds is morpholine (no, not morphine LOL) with one of its purposes ,among several, is being a rust inhibitor, and is even used where there are steam operations. Sounds like good stuff.

Thanks Richy for the heads-up!

**Y2KSVT** · 05-19-2011, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by richy

P21S polishing soap is a good product for that. It has very slight abrasiveness to it and offers protection on its own. Another great choice is collinite metal wax.

Very nice! I just received some P21S metal polishing soap from AG about 2 weeks ago. I just wasn't sure if it would work, being that the fake chrome isn't really metal. I'll give it a shot!

Mark

**Bunky** · 05-19-2011, 06:51 PM

I recommend a cleaner wax to clean/protect plastic chrome.

**forrest@mothers** · 05-20-2011, 03:49 PM

The plastic that is chrome clad (grills, even some wheels - a plastic face that's cladded and then glued to a steel rim) is much softer than "real" chrome. We suggest an occasional cleaner wax and regular use of a spray wax.

You can't "polish" it because of its softness. I'd be hesitant to use anything too abrasive, or made for "real chrome" plating.