Polishing chrome

[NotCardio]

Dumb question, but what do you guys use to polish guitar chrome hardware - pickups, tuners, etc. ?

I'm getting ready to put a guitar back together, and I want to clean up the parts first.

Thanks

 

[Mincer]

Re: Polishing chrome

Just guitar polish with a rag, and sometimes a toothbrush. Seems to work.

 

[NotCardio]

Re: Polishing chrome

Is alcohol bad for chrome?

 

[NotCardio]

Re: Polishing chrome

Not trying to remove corrosion, just fingerprints and oils, to prevent corrosion.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Polishing chrome

Alcohol will remove oil, but so will a clean cotton rag. I never used it on chrome, but I can imagine it would hurt it if it is wiped right off.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Polishing chrome

A spot of toothpaste on a rag is a good polish

Just buffing with a dry microfiber rag works too

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Polishing chrome

Just a dry cloth. Chrome does not dull. It just gets fingerprints, or actually rusts (which cannot be "polished" off). If you have silver colored hardware that has actually dulled/hazed, then it is nickel plated, not chrome plated. In that case, try a fine metal polish, like Maas.

 

[PS412]

Re: Polishing chrome

I use these


To polish this


Works real good.

 

[NotCardio]

Re: Polishing chrome

Just a dry cloth. Chrome does not dull. It just gets fingerprints, or actually rusts (which cannot be "polished" off). If you have silver colored hardware that has actually dulled/hazed, then it is nickel plated, not chrome plated. In that case, try a fine metal polish, like Maas.

Yeah, I'm just trying to clean the finger oils off so that it doesn't rust.

 

[NotCardio]

Re: Polishing chrome

I used alcohol to clean it. We'll see what happens.

Thanks guys.

 

[ItsaBass]

Re: Polishing chrome

Again, no need for that. It won't harm anything, but it's kind of overkill IMO.

If you really need a product beyond just dry rubbing (stubborn gunk or something), try a 1:1 or even more dilute white vinegar and water mixture. It's potentially less harmful to your finish and your skin, and has the positive side effects of removing streaks, disinfecting, and having a nice odor.

I've been wiping my chrome bass covers for decades with nothing but my shirt or a dry cloth, and it has always worked fine. No need for chemicals unless doing it without them first doesn't work. It's just overcomplicating it.

 

[NecroPolo]

Re: Polishing chrome

Mayones guitars are all Polish.

I don't know those guys personally but I do have many Polish friends and I think they would not use the alcohol for cleaning the guitar.

Instead they would drink all the alcohol with you and end up driving around the block with the guitar attached to the rear of the car, removing your fear of having a scratch on it forever.

On my side, I've been using a Dunlop formula #whatever kit for ages to wipe my particles off the guitar. Dunlop formula #whatever is not nice to drink. I'd rather have alcohol with my pragmatic Polish fellows.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: Polishing chrome

I just use a clean dry microfiber cloth.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Polishing chrome

No need for anything fancier than a dry cloth.

 

[NotCardio]

Re: Polishing chrome

Mayones guitars are all Polish.

I don't know those guys personally but I do have many Polish friends and I think they would not use the alcohol for cleaning the guitar.

Instead they would drink all the alcohol with you and end up driving around the block with the guitar attached to the rear of the car, removing your fear of having a scratch on it forever.

On my side, I've been using a Dunlop formula #whatever kit for ages to wipe my particles off the guitar. Dunlop formula #whatever is not nice to drink. I'd rather have alcohol with my pragmatic Polish fellows.

Personally, I'm with your Polish friends. One of the reasons I never buy new. And btw, I'm not trying to clean the guitar, just the chrome. I'm going to sell it or trade it.

 

[NecroPolo]

Re: Polishing chrome

Personally, I'm with your Polish friends. One of the reasons I never buy new. And btw, I'm not trying to clean the guitar, just the chrome. I'm going to sell it or trade it.

I can see bro'. I misunderstood your situation. I share te attitude. For sale, cleaning, makes sense.

You know what? I drink one for you and the project. Cheers!

 

[Zombiwoof]

Re: Polishing chrome

For really cruddy humbuckers and other parts, I bought some metal polish from a motorcycle parts store (they had the best price). I don't remember the brand, but it worked well. I got the idea from a post on a forum.
Al