How to clean chrome guitar parts

Cleaning chrome guitar parts isn't that hard although there is a range of ways to achieve a result.

Remember, this is only Chrome, Do not use these solutions on Gold Parts as they may remove the colour

The key items that are usually chrome (or similar) are the

• Bridge
• Tremolo Bar
• Tuning Machines
• Locking Nuts
• Knobs
• Cover Plates (jack plates etc)
• Screws

Depending on how pitted the items are, you may need to look at whether you can clean them and do they need replacing. Eg. Screws on a scratchplate are often easier to replace than to clean. If you are looking to buy some screws, click here

Cleaning key items though can often be done when you are performing maintenance on your instrument. We will only be looking at two of the key ways to polish chrome, either a cream polish such as Autosol or an impregnated wool like Never Dull.

Lets look at the benefit of each

Cream Based Polish

Autosol or Turtle Wax Chrome polish "just to name a few" can be easily applied and rubbed in carefully followed up by a second clean cloth to wipe off the polish leaving a very bright chrome.

Instructions below.

1. Clean the surface to be polished, removing as much grime as possible.
2. Apply a small to medium drop onto a cloth such as a tea towel, or foam applicator pad.
3. Polish the chrome surface, ensuring you clean and polish all areas.
4. Now grab a second, clean cloth and wipe away the current cream.
5. Check your work. ... and redo any areas that are not up to your standard.

If you find any part too pitted or flaking chrome then perhaps we can sell you an upgraded part. Let's face it, unless you have a vintage les paul or Strat, you are not going to affect the value with a new upgraded bridge etc, and you can always leave the original in a box somewhere.

Wool Impregnated Cleaner

I love this stuff, though I am careful when cleaning, The difference really is that you only need the wool and then a cloth for wiping this off.

Instructions below.

1. Clean the surface to be polished, removing as much grime as possible.
2. Tear off a small portion of wool from the roll in the tin.
3. Polish the chrome surface, ensuring you clean and polish all areas.
4. Now grab a second, clean cloth and wipe off the surfaces.
5. Check your work. ... and redo any areas that are not up to your standard.

Positives and negatives for both.

Cream Based Polishes		Impregnated Wool Polishes
Pros	Cons	Pros	Cons
Easy to find Lasts when stored properly Super Safe Visual (you can see where you have applied it) Pretty Cheap	Can often leave streaks of white paste in fine/tight joins and hard-to-reach places Not tested against all finished so we are careful with it.	Easy to find Lasts when stored properly Super Safe Works better on finer detail and cogs etc  Pretty Cheap Doesn't leave white dry streaks like creams	Not tested against all finished so we are careful with it.

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