Polishing & Enhancing Chrome and Stainless-Steel Wire Wheels

Why must we clean, correct, and protect Chrome Wire Wheels?

Unquestionably, “Chrome Wire Wheels” enrich the look of a classic car, especially sports cars and sporting saloons. Many of us cringe at the thought of cleaning them, let alone polishing*1 and enhancing them. Undeniably, few would argue that a correctly prepared and enhanced wheel substantially lifts the overall presentation of the vehicle. Detailed below is our process for achieving the best result. The same process may be used when cleaning and protecting Stainless Steel Wheels, chrome, and stainless steel in general.

What do I need to polish a Chrome Wire Wheel?  Refer Photo 1

E-Valence Chrome and Metal Polish *2,

• SIFA or equivalent Super Fine Steel Wool.
• Wheel Stand. Not essential, though it’s very handy. Shop online for second-hand.
• A bright Torch or detailing light.
• An electric toothbrush with a selection of children’s heads. (It has a smaller fitting that will enable you to reach the base of the spoke.)
• A medium toothbrush (modified with a grinder to fit behind the spokes), which enables you to apply soft pressure in hard-to-access areas.
• A thin-stem toothbrush or flexible plastic rod can assist in pushing the microfibre cloth through the spokes in confined areas.
• Three 270 – 330 GSM Microfibre Cloths. *3
• One Microfibre Cloth cut into two strips, one third and two thirds.
• Modified buds, created by attaching flannelette to disposable Lip Applicators.
• Prepared strips of Steel Wool.

Step 1

What is the best wash process?
Start by washing the vehicle in the usual manner. Refer to the E-Valence post, The Car Wash Process, available for download on our website. Go to www.e-valence.com.au/car-wash-process/
Wheel cleaners may be used; however, ensure they are pH Neutral and not heavily caustic. E-Valence pH Neutral Alloy & Wire Wheel Cleaner is the perfect choice, as it is a soft balance of surfactants that will clean and leave a protective coating on the surface of the rim and spokes of your Chrome Wire Wheels.
Could you gently rinse the wire wheel with a hose spray? Jet-washing wire wheels are not recommended. Jet washes can push chemicals up through the spoke nipples, leaving caustic chemicals in the rim, resulting in corrosion over time.
Dry the wheels with a Luxury Drying Towel and you are ready to proceed.

Step 2

What is the most effective way to remove surface rust and industrial contaminants from chrome?
The most effective way to do this is with the prepared strips of superfine steel wool.
– Start with the front and rear surfaces of the outer rim. Rub the steel wool backwards and forwards along the surface until the marks are cleared away. Refer to photo 3. If they have not gone after 30 Seconds of rubbing, then they probably won’t be removable. Don’t over-rub the area, as the purpose of the steel wool is to “nip off the contaminant”, not to reduce the thin coating of chrome. *4 Similar respect should be shown to Stainless Steel wheels.
Then, address the slightly less accessible areas, such as the front of the hub. Access from the rear and wipe around the hub several times.
Working on the front of the hub from behind. Refer to Photo 4.

– Note the use of the lip applicator to reach those confined areas.
– Again, from the rear, use the steel wool by hand to correct those areas accessible on the outer rim (the one the tyre goes on).

Step 3

Finally, from the front, correct any other accessible areas with your fingers.
Before proceeding to the next stage, spray the entire wire wheel with Chrome & Metal Polish and wipe clean.
Continue removing contaminants with the steel wool using the toothbrush and other buds till the process is completed.
Below are several photos that may help you design your buds. Note the stainless strip laid out between the spokes and the rim. A flexible toothbrush will greatly assist in this phase of the process.
Steel wool is laid out within the rim with a flexible toothbrush. Refer Photo 5.

Step 4

What is the best way to protect chrome wire wheels?

The final process is the application of E-Valence Chrome & Metal Polish. Formulated to rejuvenate and protect the chrome, it will bring out a deep, rich, streak-free shine while leaving a protective coating. This coating will greatly reduce tarnishing and the effect of dust mites over time. The latter is of major importance if the vehicle is in storage. Equally, this protection is very effective for vehicles in constant use. It should also be applied to Stainless Steel wheels.
– Spray all areas of the wheel, both back and front.
Using two 270-330 GSM microfibre cloths, thoroughly clean the hub, rim, and spokes by pushing and rubbing the cloth between the spokes with your fingers.
– Pass one cloth through the gap between the spokes and the rim and pull back and forth to polish each specific area on the rim.
– Repeat as you round the wheel for the inner hub and outer rim.
– With two-thirds of a cloth, pass this through the front spokes so that it rests on the hub. With both hands, pull back and forth to polish that section.
Finished and ready for Tyre Dressing.*5

What is the best way to rejuvenate a tyre and give it that “New Tyre” look?

For the ultimate “new tyre look”, apply E-Valence Silicone Free Tyre Dressing.

This product is water-based and does not contain silicone. Simply apply it to a slightly moist sponge and wipe around the tyre in the usual manner. Once complete, ensure the tyre is dry by wiping it with a microfibre cloth. For the cleaning and polishing of Painted Wire Wheels, refer to our online post.

*1 Polishing: – any process or chemical enhancement that includes the word “polish” by definition is an abrasive process to clean or enhance.

*2 E-Valence Chrome & Metal Polish is a non-abrasive cleaner and enhancer. We use the word in its generic sense to reflect correction.

*3 When finished, store these clothes in a separate Ziplock bag. Throughout the correction process, they will pick up stainless-steel fibres that will be harmful to paint if used in a polishing or cleaning process

* 4 Chrome Plating. In the chrome plating process, approximately 35% is Copper, 45-50% is Nickel, and the final 15-20% is Chrome.

* 5 The rim used in this post is 20 years old and has been brought back to life using this process.