chrome taps tarnished

[ChimesDesign]

I stupidly tried to clean the limescale from my chrome taps with a harpic limescale remover. Then I realised it was for use down toilets only. I think the chrome plating has been burnt as its all tarnished. Is there any way of repairing the damage? Could I polish it with anything? I read that lemon juice is supposed to work on stains on chrome but it hasnt worked for me! Any tips? thanks.

 

[breezer]

this ?

 

[JohnD]

Acid is used to strip off chrome plating, for example if you want to polish the brass beneath or replate it.

There is a possibility that you have damaged the chrome and will not be able to get it back

 

[2scoops0406]

No doubtful you'll get them back to looking normal, either new taps or if they are for some reason expensive / antique / sentimental value shock then a specialist replate.

 

[ChimesDesign]

This is what I feared...ho hum. Ah well, at least they dont have limescale on anymore! I will just have to put up with the swirly, multicoloured, oily look they have until I can afford to replace them!

 

[JohnD]

I got some of these for less than £15 the pair and am pleased with them.

http://www.screwfix.com/sfd/i/cat/52/p1091952_l.jpg

But if you are changing taps, get the flexible tap connectors - they make it much easier to fit the new ones.

 

[ChimesDesign]

Thanks for the tip John.
Its a mixer tap with shower attachment that I will need to replace, and it matches the mixer tap on the sink, so really I need to replace like with like to keep the 'look'.

 

[sidecar_jon]

Chrome on taps is quite thick (well its seems to be compared with car bright work anyway) so you may be able to polish out the tarnish using a chrome car polish. And lots of elbow grease.

 

[MartOne]

Hi
I did this too yesterday and have slighly copper looking taps now and even a bot of black on them- not good, what was the outcome did you ever get rid of it, or did you replace them?

 

[ChimesDesign]

After trying a few different products, including silvo which made no difference, I ended up replacing the mixer tap....expensive lesson!

 

[jillgary]

I have also fallen victim to this product. in a big way. Have ruined 4 sets of taps. All need replacing . However the taps on the bath cannot be replaced within smashing through the tiled bath front. Its impossible to rectify the damage done to these taps. Anyone that knows an expert rechromer in herts or essex, that can re chrome something in situ please contact me. HELP!!!

 

[Burnerman]

Chrome plating is a dipping process so you won't be able to sort things in situ, I'm afraid. Sorry to hear of your plight!

 

[cranjon]

I too was caught out by this same product and have spoiled a new mixer tap, I wonder if a bigger warning should be on the bottle, something saying keep away from chrome.
Thanks for the info re fixing in situ. (or not as the case is)

 

[wreckedit]

I've messed up taps before now with this stuff. I think the first layer is copper then nickel then the chrome.

But see this before doing a home plating job, they may even do your bath as well.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up_CLJXRyaM

 

[Nige F]

. I think the first layer is copper then nickel then the chrome.

What triple plating - when Victoria was on the throne , maybe . All brassware comes from Italy or China now . 1 quick dip in the chrome bath Chrome plate is actually micro porous