How-To Restore Old Chrome On Barn Find - Restoration HACK from Eastwood

This little HACK is a life saver for restoring old chrome or polished metal on those barn finds we love to come across!
Grab GRIP Steel Wool to tackle a variety of projects from polishing metals, woodworking projects, maintenance around the house and much more!
SEE MORE: www.eastwood.com/grip-12-piec...
Available in grades #0000 through #4!
GRIP STEEL WOOL PADS FEATURE:
Work into tight areas where tools like SCT or other abrasive tools cannot reach
High quality steel strand pads
Polish metal surfaces to a high luster
Surface Prep for Paints and Coatings
12 Steel Wool Pads Per Pack
For more information on Eastwood products visit www.eastwood.com or stay connected with the team via:
Facebook - / eastwoodcompany
Instagram - / eastwoodco
Blog - www.eastwood.com/blog
Eastwood has everything you need to do the job right when you're restoring a car, truck or motorcycle - from welders to paint and everything in between.

[@jhs5150]

Flitz metal polish works great too. If you've got any road tar on the chrome use the steel wool to remove it and then polish it. Mother's chrome polish is great stuff also. I'm surprised Eastwood isn't pushing their own products here.

[@tonybarton3746]

Anybody try the old trick we used to use on our bicycle wheel rims ,aluminium tin foil crunched up with a little water , works a treat . Bit like a salt a vinegar paste with copper 😊👍👍

[@uglyboy4067]

Thank you for this. I recently bumped my rear end into a gate and snapped a chrome trim on my bumper. After looking round ebay I found a replacement, second hand. It arrived but was a bit worse for wear, and after having a look on youtube, I found this vid, realized I had some steel whool somewhere, dug it out, gave it a go, and Bingo! perfectly shiny. Thank you

[@RyanSampsonRPh]

Almost the same exact process I use minus the glass cleaner..good tip!

[@loraineotte798]

thank you so much. I just got a classic car and the metal/chrome on it is very slightly pitted/spotted so I will try this. good thing I looked this up and you posted it because I was thinking I had to re-chrome it or replace the bumpers because I want it to look like new and be super shiney!

[@detailersgarage]

Amazing results. Great demo and information .

[@Ecosse57]

good tip eastwood, matt. thanks!

[@Youngwolf3459]

Amazing 🤩 love this video keep the videos coming!!!

[@jamesbush3756]

Very helpful, thankyou. My chrome bumpers came up like new after looking a bit worse for wear. Cheers, regards, James.

[@eastwoodco]

Great to hear!

[@trappedmorod7852]

Gonna give this a try on my 05 Sierra

[@jzero32]

Don't forget the "glass plus" NOT the blue" windex "which has been known to stain.

[@bobbubba731]

Hey, Matt, thanks very much for the video. I've been looking all over for a way to bring back three chrome chairs from the Fifties that I've had for years in my storage locker. I went down just now and tried some fine steel wool on one of them, and was really impressed. I have ordered the Autosol and will be getting some extra fine steel wool as well. Thanks very much again. Very helpful advice.

[@chrispompano]

You should consider either Bronze or Copper wool.......it won't introduce any micro-scratches. I've been researching this heavily and this is what I'm reading, and NOT to use Steel Wool..... I bought some Bronze/Copper wool for my chrome project.

[@Samuelfish2k]

@@chrispompano Your information is wrong. Steel wool doesn’t instill micro scratches.

[@edstransitscott9186]

Great job

[@joealbert7773]

Back in the early 70's I worked at a Lincoln Mercury dealer. We had a first rate detail man who cleaned up the new cars for the showroom. He used Bon Ami on all the chrome. Left a mirror finish.

[@andresaparicio3781]

I heard that works well, you actually never wanna use steel wool because it’ll scratch through the chrome

[@Samuelfish2k]

@@andresaparicio3781 no it won’t. Quit spreading false information.

[@jamescole3152]

@@Samuelfish2k May be his eyesight is better than yours? Or maybe he uses a magnifier.

[@Samuelfish2k]

@@jamescole3152 Or maybe he’s working on plastic chrome which shouldn’t be mentioned in the same sentence as real chrome plating. Steel wool will scratch the heck out of plastic chrome. I’m a professional detailer and have been using 00 steel wool to polish real chrome for Years and it’s never scratched. Never.

[@andresaparicio3781]

@@Samuelfish2k steel wool is harder on the hardness scale than chromium, it wears down the chrome over time even though you might not notice it the first time after using it repeatedly it will scratch through and rust, its basically like using a fine grit sand paper on clear coat

[@guillermonieri4203]

Thank you.

[@stevemurphy1952]

Great video not too much talking cut straight to the chair says they would say thanks a lot have a 67 GTO that I have to do a little loving care to the bumpers. Appreciate the direct and simple explanation was very helpful. There’s nothing worse than the guy that talks for 10 minutes and doesn’t even start to do what you’re supposed to do you went right to how it’s done thank you so much

[@bayoubiker7834]

Very good job

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

3/0 and 4/0 steel wool also work well when refinishing wood interior trim. REAL wood that is, not plastic wood.

[@jamescole3152]

Love it. Now about chrome wheels?

[@cjtheusful]

😮😮😮 awesome, I'm headed to the Autoparts store for that steel wool. Which will increase the shine in my 2011 Toyota Tundra Crewmax 5.7, which isn't in bad condition. Great video Sir

[@eastwoodco]

Right on!

[@cjtheusful]

@@eastwoodco It worked very well....

[@keenanman1000]

Off topic, are the bumper bolts turned 90 degrees from factory?

[@fredgohlke4128]

Off topic but original Radar Rims like the rims on the original Batmobile. Rare

[@brucemorris6319]

Back in the old days we used sos pads the kind that had soap in them on chrome.

[@jusme2336]

Bruce Morris did those work better? I remember SOS pads.

[@brucemorris6319]

@@jusme2336 yeah the sos pads work really good. Yust dont rub really hard.

[@austinlink68]

Lol sos pads are still a thing

[@jhs5150]

Yup. Cleaned many a bumper using an SOS or Brillo pad with the soap in them.

[@miamimo70]

Definitely safe to use steel wool 30/40?

[@andreah6175]

I'm looking to restore chrome to a brand new finish on a Toastmaster T20, it already has a mirror finish but turning it into the light I see a plethora of minuscule surface scratches. I feel uneasy about steel wool.... I wish I could see a close up of your bumper project in direct lighting to see how it really looks.

[@eastwoodco]

For baby-butt smooth, try some Simichrome on a clean microfiber. German-made, good stuff. I've always been really impressed with the results I'm able to get with it. Follow-up with some really fine 0000 steel wool if you need some extra oomph. Barkeepers Friend is also an option. -JD www.eastwood.com/simichrome-polish-50gm-tube.html

[@brianmann01]

I restore vintage drums which have quite a bit of chrome plating. Your idea that quad zero steel wool does not scratch chrome is wrong. Notice that you did not show the chrome close up. However, as you were polishing it, I could easily see the “blue luster”. That luster is created by scratches in the chrome plating and is a tell. The idea that steel wool is needed on chrome is bad advice from the get-go. Using blue Dawn dishwashing soap and water will loosen most of the crud found on the plating. Large parts like bumpers may be a challenge to get submerged. I leave parts submerged overnight, rinse well, and polish with a soft cloth. Steel wool can, and will damage chrome. .

[@futureghost6932]

good info! what would you use besides the 0000 steel wool on a bumper?

[@Samuelfish2k]

@@futureghost6932 00 steel wool.

[@jamescole3152]

@@Samuelfish2k Makes no sense ^^^

[@Samuelfish2k]

@@jamescole3152 Oh really? How about you try reading the manufactures label 1 of these days.. You’d think they’d have a pretty good idea on what to use it for, right? 00 steel wool: Polish & restore aluminum, copper, brass, and other bright metals.

[@9thgatedim273]

How do u clean up old scaling chrome bumper

[@sinformant]

Id suggest using stainless steel wool, not mild steel wool. Chrome is harder than steel so using mild steel wool will imbed tiny fibers in the surface and rust later. The same thing happens if you use a mild steel wire wheel or wool on stainless.

[@lincolnhobartmiller]

That’s correct mate

[@devinmiller3365]

Stainless welder, he is correct.

[@brianmorrison4865]

or you could use a wool buffer pad...

[@Ichabod_Jericho]

@@brianmorrison4865 that’s what I’m talking about, skip the bullshit and the bumpers done in 10 minutes😂

[@bellyisis]

What do you suggest for pitted original 87 ElCamino bumper( it is so pitted microfiber towels stick vertically like Velcro)?

[@Samuelfish2k]

Re chrome

[@chrispompano]

...........consider either Bronze or Copper wool.......it won't introduce any micro-scratches. I've been researching this heavily and this is what I'm reading, and NOT to use Steel Wool..... I bought some Bronze/Copper wool for my chrome project. REPLY

[@1Also]

When Matt squats like that, do horse shoes fall out?

[@jovansanchez2255]

I tried cleaning chrome earlier and I used a grade 1 steel wool. Now it looks cloudy and light scratches. Any recommendation on how to fix that

[@eastwoodco]

Try some Simichrome polish. www.eastwood.com/simichrome-polish-50gm-tube.html

[@GBall_Vision]

What do you do if there are small rust spots on the chrome, maybe it even peeling up the first layer

[@HomeMadeBoards]

Get a brass wire brush and put it in a drill, the brass is softer so it won't scratch up the chrome

[@GBall_Vision]

@@HomeMadeBoards how do you refinish the chrome then? Does the brass wheel blend it in or just take off the peeling rust

[@ifitsfreeitsforme1852]

Small rust spots generally indicate a microscopic pit in the chrome . If small enough , the discoloration can be polished off and the finish will look acceptable from a few feet away. Obviously ,there's a limit to the size of blemish that can be made unoticeable . If your chrome has gotten to the point that it's peeling off, there's no saving it. I work with vintage motorcycle parts and I've seen a lot of good pieces that were ruined by neglect and it's expensive to try and restore them.

[@adnanrana6379]

Hi, I saw this promo on How To use the AUTOSOL SHINE. But my Chrome Trim looks pretty bad to me. I dont know if there's something wrong with the product or the process. How do i seek some help?

[@juansantos1614]

Thank you !

[@H-2-O]

While I totally subscribe to this method... be warned: the 4 naught steel *WILL* leave super fine hairline scratches on the chrome coating... I did this method for many years until I turned off the light to my facility one evening, and discovered that it does introduce the said defects... turn off all facility lights and fire up a detailing light.... they’ll light up like a Christmas tree..

[@thebigpicture2032]

Agreed, I wouldn’t use it on nice chrome like the bumper above. It works really well on slightly rusted chrome when you use OOOO steel wool with fluid film.

[@Dundertaker1]

H.2.O once you scratch chrome it’s scratched

[@chrispompano]

You should consider either Bronze or Copper wool.......it won't introduce any micro-scratches. I've been researching this heavily and this is what I'm reading, and NOT to use Steel Wool..... I bought some Bronze/Copper wool for my chrome project. REPLY

[@andreah6175]

What do you recommend to make chrome like brand new, to eliminate those tiny abrasive marks? Im trying to get those off a Toastmaster T20 - Thanks

[@H-2-O]

@@andreah6175 , what you must understand about chrome is that it’s an ELECTRO-CHEMICAL plating process, used to completely engulf the substrate surface in a hard outer shell casing.. unlike automotive clear coat, which is a thermoset- polyurethane plastic, that CAN BE shaved off during a sanding or polishing process… in Chrome, once you introduce a scratch- you pretty much have to live with it… in your case, if attempting to remove super fine hairline scratches, try using a fine polish like meguiars M205 (forgot the code but the finishing polish)… and if that doesn’t work, then bump up the aggression level (from polish to cutting compound) gradually, until you begin to notice slight surface correction & improved results… as a final cry should the above fail, resort to a heavy metal polish since it’s abrasives (aluminum oxide usually) are often more aggressive in nature due to their enlarged granules… You should, then, notice an improvements in the chrome surface quality … In summary: resort to a foam pad with finishing polish, and bump up the aggression level GRADUALLY, until you see desired results… The above method has helped me correct minor surface defects on chrome surfaces, BUT- NOT ENTIRELY REMOVE THEM..

[@lwmmotorsports4194]

Matt from itg

[@Thatdualsportguy]

I've been working on one of my old bikes it's a 1986 Honda shadow 1100 and the exhausts were a high polish stainless but they had some heavy rust (surface rust no holes thankfully) so I gently used a wire brush and it still scratched it so I followed up with some fine 400 grit sandpaper and did a wet sand and it buffed the wire brush scratches out and brought back a little of the shine but it's not a mirror finish will the steel wool help in my situation or do I need to work with various grits of sandpaper?

[@eastwoodco]

0000 steel wool will help remove the fine sanding scratches. Follow-up with Simichrome polish on a microfiber rag. www.eastwood.com/simichrome-polish-50gm-tube.html

[@fredA1234]

I just bought a 1929 Modle A and Headlights are fairly scratched up basically by people polishing them their goal now do you think this message will work on those if not what do you suggest

[@eastwoodco]

You can use a buff motor! We have some great videos on cleaning headlight buckets

[@fredA1234]

It’s actually the outside of the chrome headlight that’s all scratched up what do you suggest for that. A used my Rupas nano for the inside and it seem to work pretty good but the outside is pretty scratched up it’s actually dull. New ones are just pretty expensive so I was looking to try to Shoneys up. Thanks Fred

[@donkey2753]

Does 3 zeros scratch?

[@thud_initial9479]

This should fix my laptop Thx!!!!

[@jhs5150]

Only if it's a Chromebook ;-)

[@txwombat7826]

how about minor pitting in Chrome?

[@H-2-O]

TX Wombat this method *will not* repair pitted chrome... that is a defect within the actual electrochemical playing and requires rechroming....

[@H-2-O]

plating*

[@lanthonyperdum6430]

Can anyone tell me the exact name of the polish ???

[@davewilson7278]

It’s Solvol Autosol

[@davewilson7278]

Solvol Autosol

[@gbodyjoe6432]

You didn't use the 3. 000 only the 4

[@hansvorste84]

I use just aluminum foil rolled into a ball..easiest method ever

[@rambler429]

4 OUGHT... Jeez

[@cindywhite9754]

What was the tube you had using? You said it but you never showed a picture of it, I don’t know the spelling of it. Is there anyway you can reply and let me know what was in that tube that you put on the steel wool?

[@ce152capt100]

Autosol

[@ifitsfreeitsforme1852]

There's numerous products available that will work equally well as Autosol.. Simichrome has been around for years . Mother's brand chrome polish is good also. Any good auto parts store should have a selection of specialty polishes for chrome .

[@TomKaren94]

4-ott, not 4 zero.

[@nancyverano6249]

I’ve used Brillo pads on chrome. No need to use a cleaner it’s in the pad.

[@lawabidingcitizen9696]

So what he basically did is scratched the bumper and now it will rust faster then on the other side. Chrome and stainless steel has a finish too it and using steel wool on something with a finish too it will ruin it. Hope this guy makes better thought out videos using the right tools for the Job.

[@Hiemir]

good video an all but I was kinda hoping you would touch on how to remove dents from chrome, I dont think most people need tips on how to polish something, the products usually have the application instructions on them

[@Cell1000bc]

Wholly crap, he must have stocks in glass cleaner.

[@Daniel-vu4qu]

Why lol?

[@DL-px4bh]

it's pronounced 4 aught, not 4 zero.

[@rafaeltavares6928]

This is kind of a good solution if you want to fool someone on an online sale... For me, personally, no

[@stevepreble7180]

You can not restore chrome. You did more damage

[@Wok_Agenda]

This could literally be a two minute video