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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 09:13 PM
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...

Last edited by WetteVette; Feb 19, 2008 at 11:31 PM.
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 09:25 PM
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Chrome plating is a coating that consists of at least 3 layers of metal....it does not "breathe" any more or less than the base surface.

If a ferrous (steel) base metal was not properly prepped before plating, it can rust from the inside out. If there is a flaw in the plating, and the steel part becomes exposed, it will also rust.

Think of chrome as not much different than paint. If you paint over rust, expect the rust to reappear soon. If you chip the paint, expect the bare spot to rust too

Waxing won't hurt nor help the actual corrosion protection chrome plating provides, but it does tend to enhance the shine and clarity of the finish, and will also help prevent light surface scratches in the finish from wiping it.


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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 09:29 PM
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I smother my chrome with a paste wax. I buy Turtle Wax in a can at the $1 Store and wax away...

Metal.................Breathe?
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Old Sep 19, 2007 | 09:31 PM
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Thanks, Tom and Glenn. You pretty much covered it!

C5 General never lets me down!

The knowledge and quick response of the members here never ceases to amaze me!
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Old Sep 20, 2007 | 06:39 AM
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glass cleaner does a great job cleaning chrome too in my experience. paste wax to protect it.
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Old Sep 20, 2007 | 07:31 AM
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I have always put a good coat of car wax on my chrome wheels and they have never had any problems with the wheels.
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Old Sep 21, 2007 | 07:48 AM
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Default Try Rejex

19.95 at True Value hardware. Put it on after cleaning. Protects the surface. Nice product
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Old Sep 21, 2007 | 11:17 AM
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Originally Posted by Glennm27
I smother my chrome with a paste wax. I buy Turtle Wax in a can at the $1 Store and wax away...
Works like a charm. Anyone that sells you "chrome wax" is selling you a gimmick.
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Old Sep 21, 2007 | 11:33 AM
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I have been showing cars for 10 years and have always used glass cleaner on chrome. Keeps it clean and shiny.
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Old Sep 21, 2007 | 12:18 PM
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Default Heavy BREATHER

If you use a thick coating of wax do you get a HEAVY BREATHER? BIGHANK
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Old Sep 21, 2007 | 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by bighank
If you use a thick coating of wax do you get a HEAVY BREATHER? BIGHANK
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Old Sep 21, 2007 | 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by HollywoodFRC
19.95 at True Value hardware. Put it on after cleaning. Protects the surface. Nice product
And will put an awesome shine and protection on the body and glass as well.

Chuck
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Old Sep 21, 2007 | 05:03 PM
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Like Evil said, glass cleaner to clean it, then wax to protect it. Makes it easier to keep clean, with a good coat of wax, also.
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Old Sep 21, 2007 | 08:12 PM
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Thanks for the replies people. I guess that puts to rest the old wive's tale about "breathing" chrome! I'll just continue to do what I've been doing. Using glass cleaner to clean and wax to protect.
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Old Sep 21, 2007 | 08:15 PM
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I use water and vinegar, it works excellent
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