Will need
As an object, we will choose a rusty, chrome-plated shock absorber rod of the front fork of a bicycle, but in principle it can be any chrome-plated part. We must also stock up on:
- aluminum foil;
- container with water;
- paper or fabric napkins;
- universal preparation WD-40.
Process for removing rust from chrome
Pour water into a small container (in our case, the bottom part of a 5-liter plastic jar), or warm water, to simultaneously remove oil and fat contaminants and deposits.
We crumple, but without unnecessary zeal, a small piece of food-grade aluminum foil to form a fairly loose lump. In this state, it will retain more water inside itself.
There is no need to worry that soft aluminum foil will damage the thin but hard layer of chrome plating. At the same time, due to numerous folds, it will “cut off” the rust particles, and the water inside the lump will wash them away.
We dip the crumpled foil into a container of water so that it absorbs more moisture, and begin processing the chrome surface in the longitudinal and transverse directions, alternating reciprocating movements, circular in one direction and the other.
If the first aluminum lump has sufficiently compacted and hardened, but rusty spots remain, then the operation should be repeated using the remaining piece of aluminum foil.
Now, cleaned of rust stains, the chrome surface must be thoroughly wiped with paper or cloth napkins until it is completely dry.
To protect the chrome surface cleaned from rust, apply a little universal WD-40 and distribute it over the entire cleaned area using a paper or cloth napkin.
For a bicycle fork stem, WD-40 will not only act as protection against rust, but also as a lubricant. Use other products for this purpose with caution, choosing those that do not contain solvent components. Otherwise, the fork seals can be damaged.
Regularly lubricating your fork steerers after washing your bike or in preparation for winter storage will be a reliable way to protect the chrome surfaces from premature oxidation.
