How to remove rust from chrome

JMed
JMed Expert Adviser
edited October 2012 in HUDSON
Some time ago there was a post on how to remove rust from chrome. Can someone help me look for that post? Or if someone knows a way to do it can you give me some pointers?

I have a very rusty bumper that will eventually be re-plated. However, I remember a post where someone removed most of the rust from hubcaps. I know this is not a fix, but until i'm ready to re-chrome I would like to remove the visible rust.

Thank you,
Jairo.

Comments

  • StillOutThere
    StillOutThere Expert Adviser
    There are so many degrees of "rust" that I wouldn't know where to start. I've used a wire wheel hooked up on a drill to get off the really nasty appearance on pitted chrome or of course on the other end of the scale is chrome polish. I will tell you a secret I've used for decades; hydrofluoric acid available from auto detail shops for cleaning the surface rusting from wire road wheels. I use it full strength but it can be cut 50/50 with water. It will brighten stainless steel too if it is good quality SS. Protect your eyes and hands!!!!! (Yes, hydroFLUORIC, and NOT hydrochloric)
  • Snailslayer
    Snailslayer Expert Adviser
    SOS pads work well. 0000 fine steel wool with metal polish is also effective. I think the post you're referring to was using Electrolosis as a means. Hoggyrubber i think was the OP but i may be mistaken. Similiar posts and info also on the HAMB. how bad is the rust?
  • brumac
    brumac Expert Adviser
    I used a preparation labeled CLR, available at the household cleaned section of most supermarkets, and scotchbrite. Wear rubber gloves. Works good but you must flush with water, dry immediatly and then follow ip with wax or it will be rusty in the morning.
  • hudsontech
    hudsontech Senior Contributor
    If it isn't to bad Coca Cola, yeah - the stuff we drink - will take most of it off. At least it used to.

    Hudsonly,
    Alex Burr
    Memphis, TN
  • JMed
    JMed Expert Adviser
    Turns out I had CLR, scotchbrite pads, and 0000 steel wool at home. The CLR was under the kitchen sink curtesy of the wifey.

    Here is what I tried:

    #1 - Chrome polish with 0000 steel wool: This preserved the best shine but it is a lot of work, if not impossible, to remove all the rust I'm dealing with.


    #2 - CLR and scotchbrite pad: This was the easiest and will remove all rust in a few seconds but the end result has less shine than #1 above.

    #3 - CLS and 0000 steelwool: Requires a little more work than #2 above but all the rust will come out and the shine is in between both steps above.

    Here are some pics. The one showing both sides of the fender used #1 on the right, and #2 on the left. The other picture focusing on the left side used #3 on the far left. You can also see how bad the chrome is. So I know this is not a solution, but will make the car look a bit better during restoration and until i'm ready to re-chrome.

    Thank you all, but if there are any other tricks I should try let me know.

    Jairo.
  • JMed
    JMed Expert Adviser
    edited October 2012
    Here is a better picture. This should keep my neighbors from rolling their eyes too high up saying "ohh look, he got ANOTHER old rusty car" :)
  • Edwardjohnsr
    Edwardjohnsr Expert Adviser
    Here's one that you won't believe until you try it. Crumple up a wad of aluminum foil, wet iy down thoroughly and use it as a scrubbing pad on the rusty part. It takes some elbow grease but it really works. Keep it wet and wash it off when finished.
    Ed
  • hoggyrubber
    hoggyrubber Expert Adviser
    i wasn't the op of the thread but i remember it. i think it was damageduck in CO. seem like it was wood something dilluted down. it was from the hardware store. snailslayer is right, damageduck posted it on the hamb with pictures as well. looks like you got good results on what with the clr. i think maybe i should have gave it a try instead of the rust coverter w/chrome paint i did.
  • Comm6
    Comm6 Expert Adviser
    I cleaned some of my chrome with strong arm oil and aliminum foil crumpled up. I got that strong arm oil on ebay was pretty cheap. Im gonna try thr clr see what the difference is.
  • Snailslayer
    Snailslayer Expert Adviser
    it was damageduck, thanks hoggyrubber. sorry bout the mixup but i guessed b/c you also post on HAMB.
  • hoggyrubber
    hoggyrubber Expert Adviser
    no problem! i never mind taking the credit for good information like the rust removal, but i thought i had better not. :D
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I have to put my 2 cents in because so many people are talking about my line of work. I have to tell you guys that using anything abrasive on chrome is a bad idea. Aluminum foil, scotch bright pads, etc, are bad news for chrome. All you are doing is rubbing off the chrome to expose the nickel underneath. You have to remember that chrome is just a clear coat, and what would happen if you used a scotch bright on your paint. You would expose the base coat, which in this case is nickel. We all know what nickel does when exposed to the elements. It turns yellow and pits. By using these abrasives on your chrome, you are actually speeding the decay process of the part. If you have rust, this means that there is bare metal exposed, and no amount of aluminum or abrasive wax will help. I hope this helps.
  • JMed
    JMed Expert Adviser
    Hi Lakeside, thank you the comments and it makes sense that abrasives should be avoided when possible.

    What process would you recommend to remove rust from chrome with no damage to the finish? Granted the finish already has damage which resulted in rust, but what would be the best non-intrusive way of handling it? Keep in mind I am doing this at home and the chemicals available to me are limited by supplies available at my local hardware stores.

    Jairo.
  • hoggyrubber
    hoggyrubber Expert Adviser
    here is the original thread snailslayer was talking about.
    http://www.classiccar.com/forum/discussion/comment/161464#Comment_161464
    if you copy and past the above line it will take you to it. sorry i tried to make it a link but it no workey. oh well they tried to teach me and tried to teach me. :-(( and my appologies it is chopperchuck not damageduck.
  • hoggyrubber
    hoggyrubber Expert Adviser
    well looks like i was smarter than i thought. the link works. don't know about chucks home brew, sounds good though.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    I personally would try to clean and buff with white jeweler's compound and a buff wheel. This is about as abrasive as you wish to go. You can even find this stuff at home depot in the tool section. This would probably do what you are looking for. Anything past that, and I don't want to sound like a salesman, but you would want to have it rechromed or refinished somehow. You may be able to clear coat it, if you just wish to keep the rust from coming back? I hope this helps.
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