Today “Adventures in Detailing” has a quick question for our readers.
What type of soft metal polish do you like best? We have tried several different brands, but we are always willing to try something new. Please let us know what you like best. If we have an overwhelming response one way or another, we’ll let you know.
When polishing the shiny silver “metal” on your vehicle, it is important to know what it is made out of. If you have shiny silver bumpers & rims that are stock (direct from the manufacturer) parts, chances are they are made out of chrome, which is a hard, resistant metal. Custom rims, on the other hand are often made out of a soft alloy or aluminum, & those shiny silver strips sometimes found around your windows are usually actually plastic. After market stick on pieces with a silver finish are often just painted across the top.
When using any product, of course, follow the directions & safeguards contained on or with the product. Chrome is a tough material & you can use virtually any cleaner on it. Usually we will use a chemical wash(acid base) to start, then follow with a chrome polish as necessary.
Custom rims & other soft metal parts: If you use a chrome polish on soft metal alloys or aluminum, it will show scratches. Their are metal polishes made directly for some custom rims (eg. Billet), but any polish made specifically for soft metals should work without scratching the surface (provided you’ve cleaned it & are using a clean soft cloth). So far, Adventures in Detailing prefers Mother’stm as a polish & Gord’stm for a polish with a protectant factor as well. We have found Mother’s Mag & Aluminumtm polish can sometimes partially restore the silver plastic around the windows as well.
After market adhesive stick-ons: DO NOT use a chemical wash on these. It will take the painted finish right off. Adventures in Detailing recommends just using soap & water & maybe a little spray wax if you really want to.
