Cleaning tarnished matt metallic surfaces

[Hairsy]

Over the years, I've often come across matt surfaces that have aged. There's a couple of examples below.

 

In the past I've used Autosol metal polish which does a very good job of removing the signs of ageing but also adds a level of shine that I don't want. Generally the end result looks better than before but I'd really like to find a way to maintain the original matt finish while still giving it a thorough clean.

 

I've tried using a fine wire wool with the polish and this does go a bit of the way to achieving what I want but it always looks as though someone has polished with a piece of wire wool! i.e. you can see the scratches caused by the wire wool.

 

Can anyone suggest a tried and tested way to clean these areas and maintain the original finish?

 

Thank you

 

Edited November 16, 2024 by Hairsy

[Mickly]

29 minutes ago, Hairsy said:

Over the years, I've often come across matt surfaces that have aged. There's a couple of examples below.

 

In the past I've used Autosol metal polish which does a very good job of removing the signs of ageing but also adds a level of shine that I don't want. Generally the end result looks better than before but I'd really like to find a way to maintain the original matt finish while still giving it a thorough clean.

 

I've tried using a fine wire wool with the polish and this does go a bit of the way to achieving what I want but it always looks as though someone has polished with a piece of wire wool! i.e. you can see the scratches caused by the wire wool.

 

Can anyone suggest a tried and tested way to clean these areas and maintain the original finish?

 

Thank you

 

I’d like to know this as well

[Simon Davey]

I'm also interested, as currently I clean that kind of surface with WD40, with a bonus nice  smell. 

[Punts]

Scotch Brite Pads, whether with WD40 or Solvol Autosol will leave a matt finish and isn't as aggressive as wire wool.

Different colour pads indicate different grit levels. Test with the wife's washing up scourer, the green bit on the top of the sponge scotch brite.

I use wire wool to get the brushed aluminium effect, but you need to always remember to "brush" in the same direction.

[Hairsy]

I've also just read the 50/50 white vinegar & water is a good way to clean without polishing.

 

Time to try to find some sacrificial parts to experiment on. If anyone else experiments then please report back - good or bad.

[Nick the wanderer]

Autosol is great but it's an abrasive so will scratch the surface. You need to scratch the surface to remove the tarnish. I think the trick is to use less of it and use a soft cloth, a slow process checking as you go.

Toothpaste also works, gently does it. Wire wool and scotch pads are too aggressive.

 

[Punts]

I use Peeks Paste to polish alloy and stainless.

It's similar to Autosol but you can buy it in larger tins, so makes it better value.

 

[Hairsy]

Here are my results from using WD40.

 

1) I got a piece of soft rag wet with it and rubbed it over the whole area and left it a couple of minutes to soak in.

2) I then rubbed fairly hard with the rag. I did small areas at a time and had to work it pretty hard. Probably spent about 5 minutes on the whole silencer 

3) There were a few bits of tar or something similar - I was able to shift these with a fingernail once the area was well soaked

4) Finally there were some stubborn marks and I used a WD40 soaked but of maroon scotchbrite. This was done very gently

 

I'm pleased with the results - this seems to be a good solution where there isn't any lacquer. They weren't in a terrible state but, until I'd tried this, I hadn't been able to get them to clean up.

 

Main silencer first and then a particularly bad area where, I suspect, a bit of someone's boot had melted onto it. This one took more work with the scotchbrite.

 

 

[Fiddlesticks]

Tidy job

[Simon Davey]

As above, that's a proper job, looks like new. 

[Simon Davey]

By the way, WD40 is good on black plastic too, but don't use it on rubber grommets and the like.