Learning All About Auto Body Restoration
Auto Body Tips: Removing Tarnish From Chrome Accents
Cody Wade
If your vehicle has accents or trim that is made of chrome, you might find it difficult to keep the material clean and shiny. When other parts of your car are dirty, it is hard to notice, but not with chrome. This material shows lack of shine and even the smallest amount of dirt very easily. It also shows tarnish as soon as it appears, so it is best to remove it right away. Here are some tips for cleaning the chrome and removing all traces of tarnish.
Clean the Chrome Regularly
One thing you need to know about chrome accents on a car is that it needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. This not only removes some of the tarnish currently developing on the chrome, but can also help prevent it. When dirt builds up on the material, it will lead to tarnish much more quickly. When you wash your car, make special attention to the areas with chrome. If you don't wash your car often, at least wash the chrome areas when they start looking dull or you can actually see dirt particles on the surface.
Wash With Soap and Water
Believe it or not, you can remove most build-up from chrome with nothing more than soap and water. To wash the chrome, pour some warm water into a clean bucket, then add some mild dish soap to it. It is important that the bucket be completely clean so you don't transfer dirt or grease onto the chrome. After adding the soap and water, dip a clean rag into the solution and start rubbing the chrome. If there are edges and grooves that are hard to get clean with the rag, a soft-bristled toothbrush will work and won't scratch the surface.
Remove the Tarnish
If you are having trouble getting rid of the tarnish on the chrome with just soap and water, it is time to switch to a product that is natural but has a higher acidic property. White vinegar and apple cider vinegar both work very well for this purpose. They are gentle enough to clean chrome, but the higher acidic value helps to remove all trashes of tarnish. Use a separate rag than you originally used and dip it in vinegar to rub away the tarnish. You shouldn't need to dilute the vinegar.
Make Sure the Chrome is Dry
The last thing you need to do is make sure the chrome is rinsed clean and completely dry. Don't just let it air dry, as dust particles could get right back onto the accents and cause more problems. Instead, use a microfiber towel to dry it completely. Contact a company like Collision One for more information.
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Hi guys, the name is Phyllis. I'm here to teach you all there is to know about auto body repair. I grew up watching my dad strip down cars and restore them to new with beautiful coats of paint. Between coats, I loved to see how the sanding process removed imperfections and readied the surface for more paint. I grew to love the hobby enough to try it out for myself. My journey started with bicycle frames. The frames easily hung from the ceiling to make sanding and painting a breeze. Eventually, I took my sander and sprayer to the finish of my old car to restore its beauty. You can learn about the auto body repair and restoration process by visiting my site each week. I'll share information about traditional and modern techniques, tools and parts you can use to improve the finish on any vehicle. Thanks for visiting!