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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Fixing chrome furniture that is rusting
Quickstart:
If the chrome is pretty far gone, replating is the only option. But sometimes it's not nearly as bad as it looks, and metal polish followed by regular waxing will work.
I have 2 LeCorbusier chrome chairs that have rust around certain areas. How can I save them? I read about rubbing aluminum foil but I think it won't be enough. Any suggestions?
Lucas Alvarez- San Juan, Puerto Rico
2006
LeCorbusier Chrome Chairs on eBay (affil link)
A. Hi Lucas, process engineer - Malone, New York A. The only real answer to restore the original finish is to have a plating shop strip, polish and replate. Gene Packmanprocess supplier - Great Neck, New York A. Try Mirrachrome paint by Alsa Corporation, very expensive but better than aluminum foil. Replating is best option if you want to use your chairs. Good luck! Goran Budija- Cerovski vrh Croatia |
A. Hi Lucas,
If too much of the chrome is gone, Gene's advice is a very expensive but realistic choice.
But oftentimes, because the rust comes out of tiny pores and spreads, it's not really as bad as it first looks. If you want to try a cheaper approach, the first step is to use metal polish to get the rust off as suggested by Mark, and use wax to deter further rusting.
If the furniture is not too far gone, and is kept inside where it is dry rather than on a porch where the air can be damp, and if it is fairly frequently re-waxed, the rust can probably be kept away.
Luck & Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
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