Art Deco Fire Screen, How to Clean Chrome?

I call this deco because of the chrome and the 30s Nile green on the enamelled details. But might it be mid-century?

At any rate, it is highly polished chrome, with some scratches and some corrosion on the feet, the edges of the green accents etc. How to clean? If at all? You can see the mirror finish, very hard to photograph and get the scratches to show but they're there.

 

Thanks Dave! The graphics on the Autosol look like the Simichrome tube over here, wonder if that is the US equivalent of Autosol?

 

I won't say to try this until others weigh in or perhaps you already know about it. I had a chrome bread box that really needed cleaning. I googled and kept finding the suggestion of using aluminum foil and water. It made no sense to me but not having much to lose I tried it and it actually did a pretty good job. I've only used it a couple times on low cost items but I've been surprised by the results.

It might be one of those big no no things to do and your fire screen looks very nice so I'd not like to contribute in any way to it's demise.

 

Are you sure you don't want to use Brasso??? LOL Sorry. Couldn't resist.

 

You could use that painter's or "frog" tape to cover the painted parts when cleaning the chrome -- just an idea. I think it's cool, except for that pale green colour.

 

I almost mentioned not wanting to do the Brasso thing

 

I found it, thanks. Can be ordered online, so I'm good! And seeing as how I have 6 chairs with nasty metal legs it will come in handy

 

Slaps head -- Brasso, of course!
\

 

I've been using Bartenders Friend for a lot of things.

 

Am I the only one who's tried aluminum foil? LOL It really sounds like it makes no sense when someone tells you to wad up aluminum foil, get it wet and scrub a shiny metal surface. Sounds counter productive doesn't it. No one else?

 

Hi,
You are not alone. I always used alum foil on the chrome legs of my 50s chrome and vinyl table and chairs. I used foil and Coke on the chrome on my cars. I found that after using the foil, dry the legs and then wax them so it did not spot as fast.
greg

 

Hi greg glad it's not just me! What I really want to know is who first thought of trying an abrasive like wad of metal on a shiny surface? Not the intuitive way to go but sure has worked on the pieces I've tried it on. There is probably a down side somewhere.

 

You know,I think I did use aluminum foil on a 50s chrome table leg once -- a long time ago. Seemed to work at least partially until I ran out of hand power and/or enthusiasm. The surface on this is so mirror like -- impossible to photograph -- but shows scratches and some "ghosting." I happen to think the green is way cool, but that's my own quirky taste probably.

 

Not an expert in Fireplace screens, but this looks Deco to me as well. Really cool!

 

The ally foil thing is probably electrochemical rather than frictional action, and salt water may be better than fresh if that is so, more ions.

Solvol is also excellent for aluminium.