Unpolished metal can be a true eyesore on a vehicle and stands out, especially when everything else is well-maintained.
Many different metal finishes can be found on all vehicles, including chrome trim, aluminum, and even stainless steel. They share a commonality: all types of metal can be cleaned and polished.
However daunting metal may seem, there’s no reason to shy away from detailing metal and chrome surfaces. With the proper products, it might require less effort than you think!
Similar to painted surfaces, metal can and should be cleaned, polished, and protected.
How to Clean and Prep Metal for Polishing
Just as with polishing a vehicle’s paint, you’ll want to clean the surface before polishing the metal.
It’s always best to detail in a garage where the climate is controlled and the vehicle is safe from the elements. When sitting out in the sun, metal can heat up very quickly, causing water or chemicals to dry on the surface before it can be properly cleaned. Make sure that the surface of the vehicle is cool before beginning your work.
To keep the job running smoothly, get all of your supplies gathered before you start.
Gather supplies
To wash the vehicle prior to polishing the exterior metal, use our Black Cherry Car Wash Soap with Wax. The metal can also be scrubbed with an all-purpose cleaner like our Magic Cleaner Concentrate if necessary.
Our Medallion High Gloss Chrome and Metal Polish is our best product for shining up metal. It’s suitable for chrome, aluminum, and stainless steel.
To apply it, you’ll need a microfiber applicator or towel. You’ll need extra microfiber towels for buffing off the product as well.
For more oxidized areas, use 0000 or 000 zero steel wool (0000 is the least aggressive). Do not use steel wool on stainless steel or plastic-coated metals, as it will scratch the finish.
For additional protection, use our STS+ Polymer Paint Sealant. Not only does this product shine and protect paint for several months or more, it offers the same benefits for metal.
For the ultimate long-lasting protection, check out our lineup of Jade Ceramics. Ceramic coatings can be applied nearly anywhere on a vehicle (including the metal components) and protect from 1-7 years, depending on the coating.
To apply a ceramic coating, you’ll also need our surface prep spray, such as our Wipe Clean. Additionally, you’ll need some extra microfiber towels; we recommend The Rag Company’s Edgeless Pearl Coating Towels for ceramic coating purposes.
Clean the surface
Polishing without first cleaning the surface can lead to additional scratching. Any dirt or debris left behind will get dragged around and cause marring.
Thoroughly rinsing and shampooing the full exterior of the vehicle will prepare it to be polished. When agitating the soap with a wash mitt, make sure to give the metal surfaces extra attention if you plan to polish the metal.
If there’s no time for a full wash or it’s not in the customer’s budget, the metal can simply be wiped down with an all-purpose cleaner. Mist a damp microfiber towel with Magic Cleaner Concentrate to do so, making sure to turn to a clean side of the towel with each wipe to avoid marring the finish.
While you might use Iron Remover+ to break down contaminants on the painted surfaces, this is not a step that you want to take on bare metal surfaces.
Steps to Restore Metal and Chrome
For old and worn metal surfaces, a basic cleaning won’t be enough to bring it back to life. To restore metal and chrome to a mirror-like shine, the defects must be polished out.
Polishing
Once the surface has been cleaned and prepped, using our Medallion Metal Polish is simple.
It’s best to start with a test spot using a microfiber applicator before taking more aggressive measures. You may be pleasantly surprised at how little it takes for this polish to work its magic.
Add a few small dots of Medallion to the applicator. Using firm pressure and circular motions, work the product in until you see the oxidation coming off.
When finished, buff away the remaining product with a clean microfiber towel.
For tough areas with more stubborn oxidation, use this same process with 0000 or 000 steel wool rather than a microfiber applicator. Remember not to use steel wool on stainless steel or plastic-coated metals.
Protecting
After the polishing has been completed, you’ll want to protect your hard work and slow down the effects of weathering.
A durable sealant like our STS+ is sure to keep the metal shining. This product is just as easy to use as a traditional wax – simply wipe it on, allow it to haze over, and buff it off.
This polymer sealant provides protection for as long as twelve months, depending on conditions. For those in more extreme climates, it’s recommended to reapply twice a year. It will save you a ton of work compared with a carnauba wax, which may break down in just a couple of months.
Ceramic Coating
For the ultimate shine and protection, add a ceramic coating to your metal.
We offer the full lineup of Jade Ceramic Coatings, including Jade Ruby, a spray-on one-year coating, Jade Emerald, a four-year coating, and Jade Obsidian, a seven-year graphene-infused coating. All of these options are safe to use on any metal surface.
Before installation, use Wipe Clean to clear the surface of any residue or debris from polishing. After, the ceramic coating will be applied using a microfiber applicator, allowed to flash, and the leveled out. Edgeless Pearl Coating Towels are perfect for leveling out coatings.
To learn more about ceramic coatings, check out our complete guide right here.
Ultimately, the most important piece to polishing and restoring metal on a vehicle is using the right products, and that’s what we offer.