Topic: recommendations for buffing/polishing chrome

[westondc]

i'm planning on detailing my CB500 and cleaning up the chrome exhaust, engine cases, forks, wheels and spokes. I'm looking for recommendations on tools and chemicals for the job. not really sure where to start. can i use a bench grinder and replace the stone wheels with cotton buffing wheels? I've got very light road rash on the exhaust that i would like to buff out. can somebody maybe point me to some items from harbor freight? thanks

[westondc]

maybe something like this?

3" Pneumatic Polisher Kit

Compact and lightweight for access in small work spaces
Ergonomic pistol grip handle
2000 RPM for optimum polishing
Maximum operating pressure: 90 PSI
Air inlet: 1/4" – 18 NPT
Air consumption: 15 CFM
Rear exhaust
Hook and loop disk attachment
Accessories include two foam buffing pads, one wool polishing pad and one wrench

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-inch-pneumatic-polisher-kit-99934.html

or

6" Buffer

Heavy duty 1/2 HP motor
Extra long ball-bearing supported precision machined shafts
Cast iron base for reduced vibration
Easy access on/off switch
CSA-CUS listed
Comes with two buffing wheels


http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-buffer-94393.html

[RAFster122s]

The pneumatic buffer has very high CFM requirements and unless you have a HUGE compressor and tank I wouldn't recommend it as you won't be able to keep it running long.

A Dremel w/buffing cones and a buffer like the 2nd would be better investments.

David

[westondc]

The pneumatic buffer has very high CFM requirements and unless you have a HUGE compressor and tank I wouldn't recommend it as you won't be able to keep it running long.

A Dremel w/buffing cones and a buffer like the 2nd would be better investments.

David

good point on the pneumatic buffer. the shop that i do most of the work in does have a large compressor but i can see how running the buffer would still use alot of air. the bench buffer also runs at a much higher rpm. now its just a matter of brushing up on buffing techniques and wheel types and kinds of polish.....

[srook]

I don't think you will get the results you're looking for.  Chrome cannot really be buffed.  You can remove rust/corrosion from the surface of it but you cannot buff it back to like new chrome.  Whatever you polish it with will leave swirl marks and scratches.  I personally would get some 000 steel wool and a bottle of Mother's chrome polish.  Squirt the polish into the steel wool and lightly work it onto the chrome.  This will take off that surface corrosion and leave behind a shine but it will also leave small scratches and swirls.  If you hit chrome with a buffer it will really scour the surface.  As far as the road rash, I assume you mean deep scratching or scoring.  No amount of buffing/polishing will remove that and leave the chrome intact.  Just my opinion.
Scott

[midnightrider]

I use 000 steel wool dry and then polish with Turtle Wax chrome polish (mother's is prolly better but Turtle wax is cheap and Im happy with my results).

[75cb550 (kyle)]

+1 on the turtle wax

[BLUE71TURBO]

  You don't polish chrome you clean it. Chrome doesn't oxidize like aluminum and stainless. Chrome is pretty inert,very hard, and usally pretty thin. I have friends who have spent alot of money on all kinds of polishes, including the expensive german polishes, and i have yet to see a polish that can remove scratches from chrome. You live with the scratches or you replace the part or have it rechromed.   

[spitcrazy]

are you wanting to polish tiny rusty pits out?
I have cleaned my surface rust off chrome with a lump of aluminum foil and windex or Coca-Cola (acid dissolves rust). It just works. The aluminum is way softer than the chrome, so no scratches or swirls. steel wool is too hard..leaves swirls. In can see on my forks ( i have aftermarket headlight ears that leaves the forks exposed between the triple tree and lower fork clamp... PO mod ) where the aluminum has become embedded in the LARGE pits and scratches, sealing the exposed steel and have yet to see any rust beginning again, same with mufflers and fenders.

Try it and if you like it go with it. if you think it's nonsense and need to spend money on polish because it says "chrome polish" go ahead. It is not made to remove rust or pitting. It is to polish minute swirls out, remove contaminants and leave a micro thin protective film so it's easier next time. IMHO.  

[RAFster122s]

0000 steel wool is the coarsest you would want to use or you will be leaving big scratches...

David

[hondaface75]

+1 on 0000 steel wool. Ive used it on all my alum and chrome bits and havent seen it scratch anything.

[westondc]

well cleaning chrome with steel wool just doesn't sound like a good idea to me. i guess i could try it in a small spot and see what happends. i was under the impression that chrome could be buffed with a cotton wheel. I'll probably try some experimenting.

[hondaface75]

The steel wool comes in different grades, #0000,#000, etc. It is very soft and falls apart very easy. Little steel fibers everywhere. Softer than the alum, or chrome your trying to polish for sure.

[midnightrider]

I checked again...its actually 0000 steel wool that I use as well, not 000.  It takes rust right off and there are no noticeable scratches imo.  I then wipe off the excess steel particles/dust and rub some chrome polish on and off and it shines....I'm going to keep applying the Turtle Wax chrome polish often.