How to Restore a Chrome Bumper
by Meghan McClain
A chrome bumper looks great on any vehicle. Unfortunately, weather and road corrosives can make any bumper appear dingy or foggy. But there is a quick fix to restore the chrome on your vehicle's bumper and make it look as good as new. With just a little time, your bumper can be cleaned, polished and waxed, all with materials that you more than likely already have available in your garage.
Step 1
Mix 5 cups of any brand of all-purpose automobile cleaner with 4 cups of warm water in a medium-size bucket. Saturate a sponge with the mixture.
Step 2
Clean the entire bumper using the sponge and the solution.
Step 3
Detail the bumper by scrubbing it firmly all over with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to clean any stubborn stained areas, grooves or hard-to-reach areas.
Step 4
Rinse the bumper with clean water immediately after washing to reduce the chances of spotting.
Step 5
Dry the bumper thoroughly with a lint-free cloth as soon as the bumper has been rinsed to avoid water spots.
Step 6
Polish the bumper after you have dried it completely. Apply a small amount of any brand of chrome polishing compound to a clean lint-free cloth. Polish in large, smooth circles. Add more polishing compound if needed to achieve the desired shine.
Step 7
Spray a thin layer of any brand of automotive spray wax onto the bumper after polishing. This will add shine and a degree of protection from any further damage or buildup.
References
Tips
- Repeat the process monthly to maintain shine and protection.
Things You'll Need
- Bucket
- 5 cups all-purpose auto cleaner
- 4 cups warm water
- Sponge
- Soft toothbrush
- 2 lint-free cleaning cloths
- Chrome polishing compound
- Auto spray wax
Warnings
- Read all warnings and instructions on cleaning products.
- Ensure that all cleaning products are safe for use on chrome.
Writer Bio
Meghan McClain started writing in 2001. She primarily writes home and garden articles for eHow. McClain studied creative writing and journalism at Morehead State University.
