chrome polish techniques

[dontlikeoc]

I got the Mother's polishing cream. My question is about what cloth/sponge, etc. to use for the best result. Using the cream on an old sock didnt make much change...I am polishing side covers. Also, how long should I expect to spend for a decent result? (as long as to cause carpal tunnel?).

[Ivan]

Mothers is really not abrasive enough to handle chrome, its best suited for softer metals like aluminum and brass.

Turtle wax has a pretty good chrome polish, with just a bit more tooth to it than Mothers. On bare chrome it does pretty good.

[bikerphil]

If you are polishing your case covers (aluminum, not chrome), try tin foil. Works great. YMMV

[mro]

Polishing?

This is a good read to get you started.

http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/buffman.htm

mro

try tin foil. Works great. YMMV

Weird, all I been doing is use it to make hats...

[79XS11F]

Use English Custom Polish. I've never seen anything like it for cleaning and polishing alloy.
Rob

[bikerphil]

Tin foil and mothers works well. Also tin foil and coca-cola. It's definitely an old timers trick but is very effective. By all means I am not an expert, but I've got many compliments on how clean my bikes look, just by using these simple methods.

[tw1980]

Boy it's a good thing I saw this before you listened to these other people.LOL Just kidding.Any of those techniques will work with enough effort.It depends on what kind of shape your side covers are in when you get started.If your aluminum covers are pitted or covered with clear coat.I would recommend you start with some 250 or 500 grit.Then move to 1000 after the big stuff is gone.After that use red stick rouge on a bench grinder with a cloth buffer wheel.Then finish with some mothers and a soft rag.They'll shine like chrome.Use the mothers to touch up every now and then.Good luck! Terry