How to Remove Scratches on Chrome Bicycle Rims

commons.wikimedia.org

Chrome bicycle rims will take a beating if you use your bike frequently. Rough terrain and road conditions are bound to have the rims filthy and sporting a few scratches. Though they may look terrible, don't throw in the towel on them just yet. With a little elbow grease, your chrome rims can look scratch-free and new again in no time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Bucket
Degreasing detergent
Cloth
Chrome polish
No. 0000 steel wool
Several clean, soft cloths

Step 1

Choose a work area that is well ventilated and that you won't mind getting dirty or having water spilled on. Make sure the surface where you will be setting the bicycle up is clean, with no loose dirt or dust.

Step 2

Fill a bucket with warm water and a degreasing detergent. Use a soft cloth to wash your tires and rims. Remove any loose debris and grease that has accumulated on them. Rinse the soap off your tires and rims, and allow them to completely dry before applying the chrome polish.

Step 3

Pour some chrome polish on one side of a steel wool pad. Make sure the pad is relatively moist with polish before rubbing it across the rims.

Step 4

Rub the steel wool in an up and down motion across the area where the chrome is scratched. There is no need to apply a great amount of pressure when doing this. Repeat this step on all areas of the bicycle rim where scratches are present.

Step 5

Pour a small amount of chrome polish onto a clean, soft cloth and slowly begin working it into the entire rim. Use light pressure when applying the polish. Keep adding polish to your cloth as you continue polishing the rims.

Step 6

Remove the chrome polish and buff the rims with another clean, soft cloth that is dry. If the cloth becomes covered with polish and dirty, change it out for a new, clean one. Continue until you have removed all the chrome polish from the rims.

Tips & Warnings

Chrome polishes on the market are either liquid or paste.

Always clean your bicycle before applying any type of polish to it. Dirt and dust can cause it to be scratched as you rub on it.

Applying a thin coat of wax to the rims will help retard rust.

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...