How to restore the chrome surface of parts
With the development of technology, automotive industry is reduced to a banal set of commands for robotic machines, which in a few hours can collect almost any car. The same applies to repairs, painting and straightening of vehicles.
Despite the large number of automatic solutions, restore chrome plating now, still, very problematic.
There are not many effective solutions in this area, so often such repairs at home will not be easy.
Chrome plating of car parts
Let's find out, for what details are covered with chrome. Many can say, that it is primarily a cosmetic operation, which allows you to isolate the car from the huge traffic flow. This statement is not entirely true. An experienced master knows, that the coating of the product with chrome increases the resistance of the part to corrosion and slightly increases its strength. The galvanic method is most often used to apply a layer of chromium on the surface. It involves the use of an electrolyte solution, passing through which electric current, it is possible to achieve the deposition of chromium on the necessary components.
Prevention of dullness and scratches on chrome parts
Every driver takes care of his car. But if it has chrome surfaces, then they should be paid even more attention. In order not to spend financial resources on expensive restoration or replacement of such parts, it is necessary to monitor their condition and regularly perform preventive work. Today, such manipulations can be performed even by a novice motorist.
Prevention of chrome parts
To keep the chrome parts in good condition, it is necessary to regularly wipe them with a foam sponge. You can also use rags, pre-soaking it in warm water. It is worth noting, that it should be soft, as hard material can lead to small scratches or partial loss of gloss.
It is important to avoid sudden changes in temperature, therefore in the winter the car with chromeplated spare parts needs to be serviced in a warm garage and to use protective oil sprays.
Consumables and tools for cleaning chrome car surfaces
Surface, on which a layer of chromium is applied, can be cleaned with very simple things. They can be found in almost any home or hardware store:
- chalk;
- ammonia;
- polish;
- microfiber napkins;
- Coke.
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Restoration of chrome parts
Using these simple devices and materials, you can return the chrome parts of the car luxury and shine. Consider the use of these components in more detail:
- The most budget option would be to use crushed chalk, solution of ammonia and tooth powder. The chrome-plated surface after processing acquires unprecedented gloss. To maintain this effect, it is desirable to cover a detail after processing with a protective varnish, which will reliably protect the body element from minor mechanical damage;
- Circle cleaning is another way, invented by folk craftsmen. Orthophosphate acid, contained in the drink, has strong oxidizing properties, therefore it will perfectly clean any chromeplated surface;
- Polishing paste is often used to work with shiny surfaces. It is applied on a felt circle or on an ordinary microfiber napkin, then treat the area, which has lost its luster. Such warehouses can be purchased at any car parts store.
Algorithm of actions for restoration of chromeplated accessories of the car
Restoration of chrome parts has always caused some difficulties for motorists. If the car body after damage can be prepared or painted, then with chrome things are more difficult. To make such a detail beautiful and shiny again, it takes a lot of effort, therefore it is better to trust professionals in such questions. in addition, some tools and consumables will be needed, which you will not buy in a hardware store:
- Because the most common problem of chromium is rust, then it is necessary to start the recovery procedure with its elimination. To do this, the grinder smooths out traces of corrosion and gets rid of bumps on the surface. As in many other cases, grinding begins with a rough nozzle with a gradual transition to the emery disk of the smallest number. Then processing of a chromeplated detail proceeds with a felt disk.
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Traces of corrosion on the radiator grille
- Achieving a perfectly smooth surface, it must be degreased. Gasoline or kerosene will perfectly cope with this task. For very dirty products, this procedure must be repeated several times. Next, you need to remove traces of dirt from the degreased part, stains and other unwanted deposits.
- Further surface treatment requires removal of traces of degreasers and immersion of the product in the galvanic bath.
It should be noted, that to improve the adhesion of the chrome coating to the metal, it is desirable to perform the procedure of pickling. If this point is omitted, then nothing critical will happen, but if possible they should not be neglected. Solution, in which the part will be immersed, is a mixture of hydrochloric and sulfuric acids in moderate concentrations. The current in the circuit should not exceed 10 A.
- Further, without touching the product with your hands, it must be rinsed under warm water. The chromium plating process itself takes place in the electrolyte solution, containing chromine, chromic anhydride, sodium nitrate and cryolite. Duration of the procedure - 7-10 minutes, depending on the temperature.