proper way to care for chrome finish?

[lee n. field]

I've just aquired a S&W Model 19, chrome finish. Nice gun. Nice step up from my Taurus Model 66.

What care does a chrome finish need?

 

[Walosi]

At the risk of sounding like an idiot (OK, for me it is more of a natural occurence) but, are you sure it is a chrome finish? The factory only offered nickel, and while they aren't exactly rare, chromed revolvers don't show up every day. If it is hard chrome, the same care as a stainless gun will keep it looking good - occasional wipe-down, and no excessive exposure to the really heavy solvents (copper solvents can stain some of the chrome, if left on).

 

[maxwayne]

It is most likely nickel. Flitz polish is very good. I am in Bloomington, where are u?

 

[C.R.Sam]

Nothing abrasive.

And if Nickel....no copper solvents.

Sam

 

[lee n. field]

>At the risk of sounding like an idiot (OK, for me it is more of a natural occurence) but, are you sure it is a chrome finish? The factory only offered nickel, and while they aren't exactly rare, chromed revolvers don't show up every day.

I don't know it's chrome. Chrome was what the seller said, and probably what he thought. So, it's probably nickel.

(Freeport, BTW, for the guy who asked)

 

[Old Fuff]

If your revolver still has the original finish it is nickel plated. As pointed out, don't use solvents or preservative oils that have solvent in them, because they may attack the nickel and dull it.

A good alternative is to wax the gun, using automobile wax (not polish) that has a 100% pure Carnauba blend in it. The "Carnauba" component is important. Right now I am using "Turtle Wax Emerald Series" but other brands are equally good.

After polishing the finish give it one or two coats of wax. It will feel dry, not greasy and be as well protected as trim on an older car.

 

[PigPen]

I have some 100% carnauba wax that I have been experimenting with on blued as well as stainless firearms. So far it has done very well and it looks so good.

PigPen

 

[C.R.Sam]

Copper solvent on Nickel won't just dull it.....it can remove it in patches. The Nickel is plated over a Copper plate substrate. Any scratch or worn place in the Nickel finish will allow the solvent to get to and remove the underlying copper.

Sam