How to clean metal car trim?

quyeno

quyeno

quyeno

Associate
Joined
11 Feb 2009
Posts
40
Hi

I'm looking for advice on how to clean metal window trim or metal coated plastic, I'm not sure what it's exactly on my 2017 Sharan. The finish is more like polished steel/aluminium rather than chrome. There is tarnishing on the trims and on the roof bars, it looks like it's oxidation, water drop staining or both. I've used 0000 steel wool and Mother's metal polish on them which has removed most of it but there's still some residual tarnishing left. I've tried vinegar and it's not helped. I haven't got a polishing machine so would prefer it suggestions can be done by hand. Has anyone tried Maguire's polishing compound or Chemical Guys Light or Heavy Metal Polish for this issue?

It looks like this....

https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w222/787530-chrome-window-trim-look-like-water-spots.html

Thanks
Q
 
I doubt Meguiar’s Ultimate Compound would improve it all. That’s only worked on my cars paint, it eats into a microscopic layer of paint to remove swirls and other scratches or blemishes.
 
You probably do need a metal polish. Paint polish won't be strong enough I don't think.

Or plastidip over it and de-chrome, because it's not the 1980s :D
 
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From the pics, it looks like aluminium oxidation, but it might be worth searching VW parts to check what metal you are dealing with before deciding the right approach.
 
Thanks for all the replies. tried WD40, coke and brown sauce! none worked. I ended up buying a makita multitool after all for other DIY jobs so will give the advice from one of those youtube vids a try.
 
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