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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
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for Metal Finishing 1989-2024
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Remove light rust from chrome on motorcycle?
Q. I have a new motorcycle that has "sat out" in the elements over the winter, although it was covered, it has a light rust only on some places i.e., nuts, kickstand, etc. Outside of replacing the parts, what can I do to safely remove the rust without hurting the chrome finish? Is this possible? And finally, will a coat of wax be sufficient in keeping the rust from returning? Thank you for your response in advance.
Donald Alspaugh- Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania
2003
A. Hi Donald.
Chrome is quite abrasion resistant and somewhat chemical resistant. You probably won't hurt it as long as you avoid chemicals like acid. Chrome cleaner will get the rust off.
Wax will deter rust somewhat and very temporarily. Once it has started rusting, even a little, there's not much you can do but try to keep it well waxed until you can get it replated. Unfortunately, this nickel-chrome plating is cathodic to steel, which means, if the underling steel has been exposed through pinholes/porosity in the plating (and it has or there wouldn't be any rust), the steel will corrode to protect the plating from corroding, much like a zinc anode corrodes to protect a boat.
Good luck,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2003
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