Chrome plating is the process of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto the surface of a metal object. Chrome is a corrosive-resistant metal that can decorate gadgets or automobiles.
A chrome-plated surface can become scratched. However, a specific chrome polish, which can be found at many auto and hardware stores, can remove light scratches from the surface of chrome plating.
In our guide, you can learn more about the easy ways how to fix scratched chrome. By the end, you will be able to use a commercial chrome scratch remover or one of the other methods for an effective chrome scratch repair. (Learn How To Remove Deep Scratches From Plastic)
How Do You Get Scratches Out Of Chrome?
Ensure your chrome-plated surface is not in direct sunlight and is at room temperature.
- Put your rubber gloves on.
- Coat the scratched surface with chrome polish and some #0000-grade super fine steel wool. Make sure that you never try to polish scratches from the chrome surface with dry steel wool. Although fine, it will spoil the chrome plating.
Swirl the steel wool in small circles over the scratched surface. - Removing scratches may take several minutes of buffing to remove them all. Therefore, you should use more chrome polish generously and frequently.
- Wipe the surface with a microfiber towel and inspect the area to remove the polish.
- Repeat your chrome polish application, buffing, and cleaning with the microfiber cloth until the scratches are gone.
Note: You always get fine scratches in chrome-plated products over time regardless of how well you care for them.
Chrome plating is very thin, and if you have deep scratches, these can go past the chrome surface to the material underneath. Unfortunately, here, there is no amount of polishing that can fix your scratches.
Luckily, fine scratches can be removed, but the deep scratches will need the piece to be re-coated.
Before you try to remove light scratches, always test on an inconspicuous area.
Instead of using a commercial chrome cleaner, rub red jewelers rouge on a soft cloth or your steel wool pad to remove the tarnish.
Follow these instructions if you’re going to use this method.
- In a circular motion, rub with the wire wool over the scratched area. To keep the cloth or pad moist, use more jewelers rouge or chrome polish as needed.
- Rub in a circular motion for many minutes.
- Using a microfiber cloth, remove the jewelers rouge or chrome polish from the chrome-plated surface.
- Examine the surrounding region.
- If scratches remain, use a cloth or pad to apply extra rouge or polish. Continue rubbing until no more scratches are visible.
- Most scratches will fade after 10 to 20 minutes.
If the scratches persist, the area may need to be repaired at a body shop if it is a part of your car.
Top Tip: Using steel wool in either method to remove fine scratches, the wire wool will smoothly remove a small chrome layer each time you rub. Too much steel wool buffing eventually causes noticeable dips in the metal’s surface. (Read Average Size Of 3 Car Garage)
Natural Remedies to Clean Chrome
Chrome is used throughout the kitchen and can get in the same state as chrome parts on your car. Here are ways to get your chrome looking like new.
- The scratches on the sink fixture can be cleaned or repaired simply once you remove traces of food and hard water deposits.
- When sliced in half, Lemons may easily remove layers of hardened grease and soap scum.
- To remove the residue from the lemon, clean the chrome fixture with warm water and a dry rag or microfiber cloth.
- To clean and polish the chrome, make a paste with baking soda and water and spread it over it. Leave it on for at least 20 minutes and up to an hour.
- Buff dry after wiping away with a clean microfiber towel.
Alternative Cleaners for Chrome
Chrome is a soft metal, and abrasive cleaners should be avoided. However, microfiber cloths and gentle cleaners, such as Brasso, can quickly shine chrome while taking down minor scratches on the fixture’s surface.
When using such cleaners like Brasso, chrome scratches don’t stand a chance.
To remove scratches from chrome taps, you may need something more durable and not as harsh.
You can use aluminum foil rather than wire wool to rub on the scratched area. Do this in one direction, and the swirls can quickly vanish.
Keeping Chrome Free From Scratches
After cleaning and repairing the chrome faucet, devote some time each day to maintaining its dazzling condition. To prevent film and hard water deposits from forming, wipe the fixture off with a microfiber cloth daily.
A few drops of mild dishwashing liquid and distilled water in a sink will suffice to clean the entire fixture once a week.
When cleaning with tap water, it’s better to use distilled water to avoid leaving behind extra hard water deposits.
To remove stains and moisture, buff dry using a microfiber cloth.
Chrome hardware gives a gleaming, high-end appearance.
It has a long-lasting sheen and is scratch-resistant. Even the most pampered piece of chrome gear, though, will eventually scratch.
This is especially true for chromed automotive parts, which are subjected to the elements and road debris, and the occasional shopping cart disaster. (Learn How To Remove Rust From Chrome)
Larger gouges require the use of a body shop to apply a new chrome finish. You can remove scratches at home with no costly refinishing.
- Dampen the scratched surface with your polishing agent.
- Dip your super fine steel wool in the polish.
- Rub your steel wool over the scratched area using concentric circles.
- Apply more polish as needed and continue buffing the surface with the steel wool.
- The steel wool works to remove a small layer of chrome. Excessive steel wool buffing, on the other hand, will eventually leave obvious dips in the metal’s surface, necessitating professional repair.
- After rubbing, wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth to distribute excess polish evenly and polish with a dry rag to a nice shine.
