Is there any way to "preserve" metal trim?

[Reli]

I'm already pretty good at POLISHING metal trim, but is there anything that actually PRESERVES it, so it doesn't get pitted / corroded?

1) Real chrome (like on handles and antennas)
2) Chrome-painted plastic (often used on knobs)
3) Aluminum faceplates (sometimes these have clearcoat over them)

I've had luck using Brasso on #1, because it's made for real metal parts. And it claims to leave a film of silicone over it, to protect it.

For #2 and #3 I usually use a light polish such as Novus. But that just polishes it. Is there anything that would "seal" it?

 

[redbenjoe]

very good questions

 

[Northerner]

very good questions

unfortunately I don't know the answers

 

[redbenjoe]

i asked these same questions on a thread a few months ago -
royce was the most helpful
but no definitive answers

 

[Reli]

It's my guess that pitting happens when dust falls on the boombox, and then moisture gets drawn to that speck of dust? If so, then our goal should be to "seal" the boombox so that dust could not settle on it, right?

Would wax work? Or would it just attract more dust?

 

[Superduper]

Clear coat it and never worry again. Wax will work. Until next month at least, then you do it all over again.

 

[Reli]

Clear coat it and never worry again. Wax will work. Until next month at least, then you do it all over again.

But some of it is clearcoated already. Like the top plates on Crown 850's, they are clearcoated but they end up turning yellowish or stained for some reason.

 

[Superduper]

Yep, lacquer can yellow with age. Modern paints have less such tendency. You can clear coat on top of old clear coat. Some yellowish tint was actually intentional. Anyhow, the alternative of continued maintenance can't be any more attractive option, especially if you have lotsa boxes.

 

[JustCruisin]

Zoop seal comes to mind, but ive never used it.. Real pricey

 

[Alberto]

Reli, I use a silicone spray by a company called "TRIZOL". It repels moisture and protects metal, plastic,and rubber. I wipe on a heavy coat with a microfiber cloth ( spray it onto the microfiber cloth ) and leave it on for a couple of days and then with another clean dry microfiber cloth I wipe it dry/polish. I do the whole boomer, it comes out looking like a brand new boombox.

http://www.trizolube.com/TRIZOL_WEBSITE ... ROSOL.html

 

[BoomboxLover48]

Reli, I use a silicone spray by a company called "TRIZOL". It repels moisture and protects metal, plastic,and rubber. I wipe on a heavy coat with a microfiber cloth ( spray it onto the microfiber cloth ) and leave it on for a couple of days and then with another clean dry microfiber cloth I wipe it dry/polish. I do the whole boomer, it comes out looking like a brand new boombox.

http://www.trizolube.com/TRIZOL_WEBSITE ... ROSOL.html

Silicone contamination will cause craters and wetting issues with paint. So if you have got any ideas for painting the parts, then traces of silicone should be completely removed before painting the area that was treated with silicone. A very good surface preparation is needed before painting. One should keep that in mind.

 

[Reli]

Reli, I use a silicone spray by a company called "TRIZOL". It repels moisture and protects metal, plastic,and rubber. I wipe on a heavy coat with a microfiber cloth ( spray it onto the microfiber cloth ) and leave it on for a couple of days and then with another clean dry microfiber cloth I wipe it dry/polish. I do the whole boomer, it comes out looking like a brand new boombox.

http://www.trizolube.com/TRIZOL_WEBSITE ... ROSOL.html

Cool, might be a good idea for aluminum faceplates

I don't put anything on plastic parts unless they're black, in which case I use automotive dashboard sealants