Hey AT...
I bought this completely great chair to use as a part of my home office on eBay. Sadly, the seller neglected to mention that the chrome on the stand is pretty scaly. Before I go back and hassle him about his less than forth-coming product description, do you have any great ideas for cleaning it up?
Thanks, J
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You could try "Bar Keeper's Friend." It's a Comet-like powder cleanser that works really well on stainless steel--it seems like it might work on chrome, too. They sell it at lots of places, Williams Sonoma is one.
Looks like cheap chrome plating - in which case there is no chrome remaining left to clean once it has flaked off. Sorry. You'll have to go to "plan B" like, maybe, spray paint. You can't clean what isn't there. One of the hazards of ebay.
You might have to paint but before you do, try using Zud. It's a very effective powder that works on all kinds of stains. I've used it on everything from rust stains on a bathtub to copper bottom pans. I don't know how it works but it does. You can find it in hardware stores.
This is a low tech fix: When I was a kid we used to rub tin foil over our chrome handlebars. It would get rid of some of the crud and what it didn't get rid of would shine up. I think the metal was transfering from the foil to the rusted parts and places where there was no chrome. I don't know if this will work with today's aluminum foil, but you might want to try it.
PJ - I love that idea. It reminds me of rubbing waxed paper on the slides in the playground, to make sliding faster.
I can give a big thumbs up for the foil technique! My girlfriend got a new (old) bike today and the chrome was all rusty, dull and pitted. Rubbing with the dull side of the foil got rid of most of the dirt and brightened it up 100% !! A quick rub with olive oil to seal it and then a buff wit a clean towel and it looks great!
What are you all talking about. I was looking for an efficient way to clean chrome. Then you all started talking about playgrounds and stuff. geeeeeez!
hi i would use autosol i have a chrome bike and use this to clean my bike it works excellent but from your picture it could be its just old and all the chrome plating has come off the serface
This website has great pics on how to clean chrome. They ended up using foil and vinegar.. The before/after shots are pretty amazing.
http://www.digsmagazine.com/lounge/lounge_furniturefix-70schairs-chrome.htm
Sorry, I don't know how to shorten the url!
Good luck!
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