How to Polish Old Rust Stained Chrome Wheels

Video tutorial on how to clean and polish chrome wheels. Having the tires mounted on the wheels or the wheels on or off the vehicle does not matter. If the chrome surface has rusting, this cannot be fixed with this method. Being that chrome is a plating on metal, this plated surface is damaged. With this process we can only lessen the visuals of the damage, not permanently fix it. The only way to fix this rusting or pitting is to strip the finish and have them recoated.

Tools/Supplies Needed:

• Spray Nine Multi-Purpose Cleaner/Disinfectant
• hose
• bucket of water
• soft brush
• soft cloths
• wheel/chrome polish (in the video I used Eagle One Original Mag & Aluminum Wheel Polish & Nevr Dull)
• wax (in the video I used Carnauba Wax by Mothers)
• microfiber cloth

Step 1:

First start by washing the wheels removing any dirt or debris which can contaminate the surface and cause scratching. Rinse the wheels off using a hose, then spray the surface with Spray Nine. Allow the Spray Nine to soak into the surface, do not let it sit in the sun as we don't want the soap to dry out. Agitate the surface with the brush, then rinse once done. Dry the wheel off either using a cloth or compressed air.

Step 2:

Here I am using both Nevr Dull to tackle the rust stains and spots, then Eagle One Wheel Polish to remove any light scruffs from the excessive polishing. Rip a small piece of Nevr Dull cotton wadding off, then work it into the surface until the stains are removed and the pitting has lessened. Wipe off residue with a clean soft cloth. Once satisfied, move onto the Eagle One Wheel Polish. Apply the polish to a soft cloth and then work into the surface. Again once satisfied, give the wheel a final wipe down to ensure no polish residue is left behind.

Step 3:

Next to seal the chrome to prevent the rust worsening or the dirt from sticking, apply a wax of your choice. Apply the wax using an applicator or soft cloth, then allow the wax to setup. Remove and polish using a microfiber cloth.

Step 4:

After all that hard work, you're left with something such as this.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, please don't forget to vote for it. Do you have any tips polishing chrome, please be sure to share them in the comments below. Stay up to date with my latest tutorials, don't forget to FOLLOW my profile and be sure to check out my YOUTUBE page as well for all your DIY needs.

Comments

[KeriSzafir]

Everytime I worked on restoring vintage bikes, I used a piece of very fine steel wool and some window cleaner. A bit of rubbing and the surface rust goes away nicely. Then it's good to polish it.

[4DIYers]

Excellent tips, thank you for sharing! What grade of steel wool did you use? #0000?

[KeriSzafir]

Not sure anymore, plus the European grades may all be different than in the US / Canada.

[XTL]

Rrubbing with aluminium foil instead of steel wool might work better. The alu is softer than the chrome which is why it doesn't scratch it but the steel is harder and will scratch the chrome.

[4DIYers]

I have been meaning to try the aluminum foil method, have been really curious about it. Thank you for sharing!

[ColinD36]

Works the same for chromium on push-bikes. Handlebars, Seat posts, etc., just check max. diameter of posts and ensure that they are within guidelines and specifications.

[4DIYers]

Excellent info, thank you for sharing!

[houseboatmark]

I remember my senior year in high school. I bought a 65 Mustang convertible with Rusty chrome wheels on it. They were really bad. I took an SOS pad in hot water and scrubbed them clean and shiny. Then I just waxed them with regular car wax and they looked like new.

[4DIYers]

Awesome to hear! Do you still have a classic car???

[EillotB]

you post a lot of good stuff.

[4DIYers]

Thank you :)

[gm280]

Nice before and after shots. Yes, once the chrome gets rusted pitted, you have to stay after them on a regular schedule or the rim will continue rusting 'til it is beyond help.

[4DIYers]

Thank you :)

[aaahotdog]

I find that a steel wool "Brillo" pad used for pots and pans works well to remove small rust pits and works well to clean the rims. You can also use common vinegar after the rims are cleaned to neutralize the metal pinholes before waxing. Vinegar is a great rust neutralizer. You can take an old rusty motor cycle or lawn mower gas tank, put in some vinegar, some bb's (like from a bb gun). Close the openings and shake the everloving xxxx out of it. The bb's will chip out the rust flakes and the vinegar will help to seal it.

[4DIYers]

Excellent tips, thanks for sharing! I haven't tried vinegar on chrome, wasn't too sure if it would attack the plating. But I have been using on other rusty parts, by far the easiest and cheapest way to strip rust.