Trim Problem

[jbaildon]

So I have a problem with some chrome trim.It is most likely from rust, please see attached picture. I have tried a few different methods and products but this stuff is in the finish good. You cant feel the spots to the touch at all.

 

Any advice?

[sahls01gmc]

What have you tried so far?

 

Deep Wheel Cleaner might do a lil better.  Polish may be in your future!

[Chris@Adams]

Do you think the chrome is pitted?

[stripesace]

Real chrome or this wonderful plastic stuff their giving us these days?

[pirahnah3]

That looks like real chrome from here at least over the plastic stuff. 

 

As to cleaning, are the spots raised or sunk into the piece? 

[Bill-V8V]

Need more details, what exactly are we looking at ? We looking at a 1957 Caddy or or 2012 Focus ? 

[jbaildon]

 It is real chrome and it is on a 2010 Infiniti FX50. The spots are completely flat as compared to the rest of the trim. There appears to be no pitting or raised portions. It honestly looks like a stain. I have tried wheel cleaner, chrome and metal polish, even tried the old tin foil trick. Nothing is even making it slightly better.

[stripesace]

What all have you tried.

 

I'm googling this and it's looking like chrome plated plastic that is found on most cars.

 

I had something similar looking, that Revive took care of. 

[LT1xL82]

Did the metal polish turn black when you used it?

 

If not, treat it as if it is paint...i.e the suggestion to try Revive. Or a more aggressive polish or pad if needed.

[jbaildon]

Did the metal polish turn black when you used it?

 

If not, treat it as if it is paint...i.e the suggestion to try Revive. Or a more aggressive polish or pad if needed.

It did not turn black. Still think I should try a polish with pad?

[rrmccabe]

It appears to me that whatever coating they used before chrome plating (copper, nickle, etc) has went bad and there is nothing you can do to rectify it without replacement.

 

I have seen discoloration in the base coating several times. I dont have a clue what it is but I have seen dark spots form under chrome that could could not even buff out.

[stripesace]

if the towel didnt turn black your not dealing with Chrome. Try some revive. I'll have to find a picture of with and NOTHING would touch it except revive. 

[ccommodari]

Like everyone has said, try revive. People look at it differently because it is a hand polish but don't just push it to the side, is the best hand polish I have ever seen and always gives me great results whenever I use it. Let us know further of how you plan to approach it.

[stripesace]

I've used revive on so many random things for quick fixes. I'm always impressed at what it'll get out. 

[LT1xL82]

It did not turn black. Still think I should try a polish with pad?

Absolutely try Revive Polish...by hand.

 

The towel not turning black indicates the "chrome" is not really chrome, or it has a clear coat over it. Either way, treating it as if it is paint is very likely the solution and seriously unlikely to cause any problems if it does not work. 

[jbaildon]

I'll order some Revive and give it try. Will report back with results. Thanks for the input guys.

[BRZN]

Chrome is hard stuff, and won't always turn your towel black when polishing.

 

It's a bit tough to tell from the pic, but the top layer of chrome may be gone. What you're seeing is the underlying layer; copper, nickel, whatever. If the chrome is actually gone, no amount of polishing will bring it back.

Edited February 24, 2016 by BRZN