Wax Chrome...Or Not?? : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Gulfstream · 06-22-2009, 11:23 AM

I hear to different schools of thought on this, some say wax and protect chrome and some say chrome shouldn't be waxed that it needs to "breath". In 4 years I've never waxed what chrome I have but I keep it wiped down and clean. Lately I've noticed some very slight pitting in some areas that will polish out...will waxing prevent this? What's your experience with this?

Faast Ed · 06-22-2009, 11:35 AM

If it wasn't so time consuming I would wax my chrome more often. It is a good thing.

Once or twice per year is the best I can do, and I know it washes off faster than I reapply it.

Rmohd · 06-22-2009, 01:44 PM

Lots of opinions out there I have waxed/polished/quick detailed. one before the other and one ofter the other.. I think is all in what you want to believe and like. all seamed to do a good job and no bad issues with any. some just seam to go on and off easier and some dont shine or last as long or as well as others.. prob. goes with the saying you get what you pay for....

vfsoftail2004 · 06-22-2009, 02:03 PM

the wax will protect the chrome, thats what it is made for

Faast Ed · 06-22-2009, 02:09 PM

Street lights at night, show off a waxed set of chrome real well.

mstngjoe · 06-22-2009, 10:44 PM

I've used Poorboys for chrome wheels in the past to seal them against rust/pitting. It works great.

I'm contemplating using it on the Softail.....although it doesn't really get in the rain.

BoomerBob · 06-22-2009, 11:19 PM

The pitting is caused by corrosive impurity's. Keeping the chrome (and the rest of the bike) clean will help prevent this corrosion.

Anytime you can put a barrier between paint, chrome, aluminum, etc. you will slow down the corrosive effects of whatever impurity's are settling on your bike.

I've had some good luck with this stuff listed in the link but in a pinch some silicone spray on a cloth buffed into aluminum, etc. will work. A good wax on chrome and paint will also work. I would look through the polishing section of this forum and others to really get a good feel for what might work best for you.

http://master-formula.com/Metal%20Polish.htm

Keeping it clean is the key though.

nightrob · 06-22-2009, 11:52 PM

Welcome back BoomerBob!! Havent seen you for a while.

harleymike77 · 06-24-2009, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoomerBob

The pitting is caused by corrosive impurity's. Keeping the chrome (and the rest of the bike) clean will help prevent this corrosion.

Anytime you can put a barrier between paint, chrome, aluminum, etc. you will slow down the corrosive effects of whatever impurity's are settling on your bike.

I've had some good luck with this stuff listed in the link but in a pinch some silicone spray on a cloth buffed into aluminum, etc. will work. A good wax on chrome and paint will also work. I would look through the polishing section of this forum and others to really get a good feel for what might work best for you.

http://master-formula.com/Metal%20Polish.htm

Keeping it clean is the key though.

100%. I did a lot of reading before finding a chrome polish I like. Funny you mentioned the Master-Formula, as that is what I have been using the past few years. I apply the Polish first, then follow it with the Sealer. Stuff is AWESOME, and goes on and off quite easy. I only apply them once a year (late Spring), and it seems to hold up excellent.

BigHarleyDog · 06-25-2009, 01:52 AM

I'm partial to using Lemon Pledge on chrome.

arealinvestor · 06-25-2009, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigHarleyDog

I'm partial to using Lemon Pledge on chrome.

That $hit works on chrome???

BigHarleyDog · 06-26-2009, 01:34 AM

Surprisingly, Yes it does.

mickyvee · 06-26-2009, 06:15 AM

I use Crystal Glo wax polish on the chrome parts on my superglide, and it is in pristine condition, after 5 years, and 30,000 miles, many of those miles in the rain!

screaminrdking · 06-26-2009, 04:18 PM

Always wax chrome it makes it easier to wash off all the bug guts.
Aldo found out by accident that Stainless Steel Appliance Cleaner works just as good.
(Its also good for cleaning stick marks off my cymbols)

Lowfly · 09-16-2009, 12:10 AM

this will kind of go in conjuction with polishing chrome.....................................
From what i have learned and done over the years and tears ..you are never gonna polish scratches out of chrome..only create a haze.
it may look gone but its just cleaned and shiny which will decrease the standing out of the scratch(s). an illusion really

..and depending on the lighting...the fine scratches can look worse ..or just plain SEEM disappeared...!!!
BUT.. with a few good coats of a wax containing teflon or a teflon coat (hand applied just like a wax)..they can be filled in and become almost invisible....i coat all my chrome this was..even cheapo plastic chrome......

even my engine parts are waxed..polished aluminum too, after a good polish..

cant cover everything but will help.....

i think that master polish is a combination of a chemical type of polish without abrasives and with silicon ,. I did notice in the ad he used it on a soft aluminum soda can...not impressed.....i really dought it really works on chrome....IMO...aluminum and soft metals.sure....paint ..why not..its soft too.

**** why not wash it with oxyclean and dry it with a shamwow..

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