How to restore knobs/buttons

[D8614]

Hi guys,

I got myself a decent sounding boombox (a Phillips D8614) and as I was cleaning it I could get some buttons pretty clean/shiny again and others stayed the same. So my question is in the title really: how can I get all the buttons on the radio to look pristine again?

Greetings,

D8614

 

[Reli]

For chrome knobs I first clean them with mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush. If they are still bad, I use a very mild car polish that's designed to remove swirls from clear coat.

But if chrome has pitted, that's a chemical change you can't do much about. You can't fill those pits with new chrome. You can only shine the remaining chrome.

 

[D8614]

For chrome knobs I first clean them with mild dish soap and a soft toothbrush. If they are still bad, I use a very mild car polish that's designed to remove swirls from clear coat.

But if chrome has pitted, that's a chemical change you can't do much about. You can't fill those pits with new chrome. You can only shine the remaining chrome.

It does seem to a chemical change but I'll try out your tips and hope for the best, thanks!

 

[Fatdog]

If the buttons are highly textured and dirty, I have found that a paste made with baking soda and water works wonders when used with a toothbrush.

 

[T-STER]

Good call from FD, this is what i use:

 

[Hisrudeness]

Most of the time you can get good results buy just pulling them off and soaking them in warm water and washing up liquid. Then the toothbrush treatment then buff with a microfibre towel.

 

[D8614]

Thanks for the pointers guys!

 

[bklyn sound]

I use never dull when they are really bad I always had good results

 

[jays]

I remember seing a video on youtube about a new type of paint that mimick perfectly chrome I wonder if anybody ever try is and how is the result they get using it.

 

[TheDood723]

I do believe you're talking about the "Molotow" stuff, it is pretty shiny but I haven't tested durability yet

 

[yammi99]

For small parts I use the liquid chrome marker. For bigger parts you could use chrome spray.

https://shop.molotow.com/en/molotow-liquid-chrome-5mm.html

https://shop.molotow.com/en/burnertm-600-ml.html

 

[BoomboxLover48]

If the chrome underneath the dirt or grime is all intact, then only cleaners will work. If it is less shiny, use a mild car polish, that will take a nano layer of chrome from the surface.

If it is pitted, forget about it. It is done!

Re chrome it!

This looked interesting!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TDtUHo5cSE

 

[caution]

If you're willing to spend a little extra, you could get them rechromed. I know at least one collector that did this.

 

[jays]

I remember the Product I saw on youtube was the Alsa easy chrome. that thing is crazy but the price is crazyer...

https://youtu.be/KBtdU10PIcE

 

[floyd]

If you use the extra fine steel wool on these knobs you'd be surprised what was it will do you just can't scrub too hard but average pressure does it hurt them take the knobs off first though.