Problems with cleaning chrome wheels

My friend's uncle lent him his truck for a few days and as a thank you we cleaned and sealed his truck for him. It was a 2006 Ford 150 with terrible brake dust buildup on chrome wheels. I attempted to use P21S Polishing Soap. It cleaned off the brake dust in my test area, but dulled the finish. I tried to bring back the gloss with some finishing polish (chrome safe) but it was still dull. How do you guys fix this problem?:thud:

 

Use some 0000 steel wool along with a chrome cleaner and that should bring your shine back.

 

A couple of thoughts from my experience. I traditionally have had good luck with bringing back a nice shine to chrome wheels, exhaust tips, etc. with P21s Finish Restorer. Use a older MF towel, put a dab on and work it in. Then wipe clean. Also, I have been known to take my Flex 3401, a white pad and some Menz 203 to chrome wheels before. Right, wrong or indifferent, it took out some pitted crap from my friend's aftermarket chrome wheels. I kind of surprised myself on that one too.

 

+1 and be careful because the chrome is a thin layer.

 

I agree with the lst two posts.

Avoid using #0000 steel wool on chrome plated wheel surfaces ( IMO avoid using it on any surface) as it easily scratches and is micro-thin

Cleaning Chrome Wheels
Use a product that doesn’t contain harsh solvents, petroleum distillates or ammonia A metal cleaner in the form of a pleasant-smelling, non-toxic soap (P21S Polishing Soap - is not intended for use on painted, clear coated or anodized surfaces) it is a solid, clay-based (Kaolin) cleaner that applies with its own sponge. Simply wet the sponge with water, wipe it across the Polishing Soap, and squeeze the sponge to create lather and begin polishing and then rinse with clean water.
Note- some ‘high polished’ chrome wheels (including those that come stock on Corvette C6) have a clear coat applied; if so don’t use an abrasive polish on them.
Once the brake dust / soil has been removed apply a polymer sealant for protection, this will also make future cleaning easier. A polymer is recommended as it has a higher melting temperature (350oF) compared to Carnauba wax (180oF) a wheel surface will reach a temperature in excess of 120oF due to rotor friction and in excess of 195oF when parked in the sun.
Alternate products- Happich SeamiChrome Polish - http://www.caswellplating.com - Chrome Polish and hot environment polish - http://www.englishcustompolishing.com - P21S Finish Restorer – http://detailers domain.com

(Except from "Wheel Surface Cleaning" article in Detailing School section)