Using fine sandpaper on bumpers?

[4aThrill]

I bought a buff and polishing kit for the trim and the bumpers so I can do it myself. The bumpers have some shallow scratches on them; can I use some fine sandpaper to get rid of them without hurting the chrome on the bumper? Or is it best just to let it be and just buff and polish the crap out of the bumpers.  I will attach some pics of the scratches later tomorrow; I have already buffed and polished the bumpers to nice high shine, didn't want to use any sandpaper untill I knew for sure. Any pointers on what to use to get rid of deep or shallow scratches on bumpers?

[Ghoste]

I would use rubbing compound on them before I used sandpaper and I wouldn't use rubbing compound unless I had to.  If the scratches are deep enough to need sandpaper, it's time to replate and if it isn't time to replate, it soon will be once you start using sandpaper on them. IMO

[4aThrill]

thankx, just making sure before I make a mistake I will regret doing

[Ghoste]

Some may disagree with me but one way to look at it is like a base clear setup.  There is a layer of copper that is like a primer, then a layer of nickel to give it that shiny silver look and then a layer of chromium to protect.  Hence the term "triple plated chrome" or "triple chrome plated".  Once you sand through that layer of chrome, the nickel underneath can oxidize very quickly and turn dull.  This will lead you to polish more and wear away a little more nickel until you finally get through that, and well, that's why I said you'd soon enough need to replate.
Just my opinion though.

[4aThrill]

I would like to rechrome but that money is going to other parts and paint for the car and everything else after that 

[Nacho-RT74]

NEVER sandpaper!! chrome layer will get severally hurt... trust me. Is not thick enough to support a sandpaper without rust points start to appear on same places in a week or so

[bull]

You can use some really fine steel wool.

[Ghoste]

And even that you'll want to be gentle with.  I don't even like using metal polish on mine.

[4aThrill]

I guess I will just get the dents out and polish some more, once everything is done trade the bumpers at a car show or something. any good people that trade for old for new bumpers on the East Coast?

[MOPARHOUND!]

I start with the cheap white Turtle Wax Polishing Compound to see how the chrome reponds.  Then for the more stubborn spots, I use the cheap brown Turtle Wax Rubbing Compound.  If that doesn't work, then I switch to ultra-fine steel wool, the ultra-finest I can find..........(ultra-finest, is that a word, LOL).......usually dulls the finish a bit, but is better than looking at a rust or stained spot.

Recently use the technique on some chrome truck wheels I thought were goners:

[bull]

The problem is the rust is actually beneath the chrome so once it starts it's going to come back no matter what you do.

Another thing to use on rusted chrome is rubbing it with wadded up aluminum foil. I've used that a few times and it works good but like everything else it's just a temporary fix.

[bill440rt]

You can use some really fine steel wool.

Do not, not, NOT use sandpaper!!!  You'll severely scratch the chrome.
Chrome is actually a fairly soft plating. Once it's scratched, it's scratched. Even minor scratches you can't get out. It's not like stainless or aluminum that you can polish out.
Most over-the-counter chrome polishes are far too abrasive for show chrome, but are OK for "daily driver chrome."
Judging by your description, it sounds like your bumpers don't have the greatest chrome on them to begin with, so I'd say it's safe to use some chrome polish along with some 0000-grade steel wool. Use the 0000 steel wool to apply the polish, then buff with a separate cloth. Rubbing compounds can be more abrasive than chrome polish, so I'd stay away from those for now.
If your bumpers look anything like MOPARHOUND's truck wheels, then you got your work cut out for you. Nice job on those wheels, MOPARHOUND!! 

[4aThrill]

Thankx Bill440rt,

I did some looking around and found a re chrome shop there starting at 300 per bumper sounds good just got to go look at there work and see there work in the past and such and then maybe ask the wife lol,  , She no longer wants to know what it costs, I already know what she wants and thats more then the car put together how I want it too.

[speedfreak68]

we found that if we use aluminum foil and windex on out chrome it will take rust off and clean the rims up pretty well.

[4aThrill]

huh, didn't know that, got no rust just some nice scratches and dull shine