How to Repair Scratches on the Electroplated Layer?
3 Answers
Just prepare a piece of sandpaper. First, clean and dry the scratched area of the car. Then, dip the sandpaper in water and gently rub it over the scratched area. Be sure to control the rubbing pressure and avoid rubbing for too long, as this could have the opposite effect. Do not rub through to the underlying metal of the car. Buy a bottle of cola, pour a little onto a cloth, and continuously wipe the scratched area. After repeating this process several times, you will notice that the scratch marks gradually lighten and become barely visible. The more you repeat this, the better the results will be.
I once accidentally scratched the chrome plating on my alloy wheels and managed to repair it myself. First, I used fine-grit sandpaper with water to gently sand the scratched area, removing any unevenness. Then, I applied car polish and rubbed it in with a soft cloth using circular motions until the scratch was mostly gone. Finally, I applied a layer of protective wax to prevent new scratches. The whole process took about one to two hours, and tools like sandpaper and polish can be bought cheaply and practically from auto parts stores. However, be careful not to apply too much force, as it could remove more of the chrome plating, causing discoloration. If the scratch is too deep, this method might not work, so it's advisable to test it on a small area first. Regular inspection of your alloy wheels can also prevent damage, especially by drying them thoroughly after washing.
For repairing chrome-plated scratches on cars, it is recommended to differentiate between mild and moderate cases for treatment. Light scratches can be effectively addressed by polishing with polishing paste; moderate scratches require step-by-step sanding from coarse to fine sandpaper, followed by polishing and waxing. For deep scratches, the chrome plating may peel off, and a complete replating is a long-term solution, though disassembling the parts can be troublesome. In daily maintenance, avoid using hard objects to clean the trim and opt for soft cloths and neutral cleaners instead. Professional repairs typically involve machine polishing and chemical treatments, which, although time-consuming, offer long-lasting results and save on long-term maintenance costs.
