The 10 Best Chrome Polishes

Find the best chrome polish for your car and get back the killer looks of its chrome trim.

Whether we’re talking about bumpers, wheels, or other trim elements, chrome plating has been used on automobiles and motorcycles for decades and will likely continue to be used for as long as those vehicles are made. It’s not just their incredible shine that impresses but also their corrosion resistance.

Unfortunately, the chrome finish can deteriorate over time, losing its shine and luster and exposing the underlying metal to the damaging effects of the environment. An effective way to get it back to looking like new is to apply a quality chrome polish.

We’re going to review some of the best chrome polishes on the market and provide a detailed buying guide to help you find the right one for the job. Here’s a quick rundown of our top picks:

Best Chrome Polish Reviews

In evaluating and choosing each chrome polish, we considered the following qualities, all of which are discussed in more detail in the buying guide section:

• Type: Chrome polishes are mainly available as liquids, creams, or pastes. Liquid polishes are the easiest to use but generally the least effective, pastes require more elbow grease but deliver the best results, and creams fall in the middle.
• Duel-purpose: Chrome polishes typically have other capabilities besides restoring chrome surfaces (e.g. cleaning). The more a product can do, the better value it offers.
• Versatility: The wider variety of different metals or other materials a chrome polish can be used on, the more flexibility it offers the user.
• Ease of use: Regardless of the type, the chrome polish should be easy and straightforward to use.

1. 3M Metal And Chrome Polish

The first product on our list comes from 3M, one of the largest and best-known chemical and automotive accessory brands in the world. 

The 3M Metal And Chrome Polish has a powerful, dual-purpose formula that cleans and polishes not just chrome but also stainless steel, brass, bronze, copper, and other metals, restoring their sparkle and shine by removing rust, corrosion, oxidation, water spots, and tarnish.

Applying the polish is easy and quick and can be done with an application cloth or a polishing tool. It works especially well on automotive and motorcycle wheels, trim, bumpers, and exhausts.

Finally, it’s quite affordable. A 10-ounce jar can last several projects as long as you use moderate amounts.

3M’s metal and chrome polish is a solid mid-range polish that handles most standard detailing jobs very well. However, there have been reports of some jars arriving with the lid open or being partially used up.

Product Specs

• Type: Paste 
• Volume: 10 oz (296 ml)

Bottom Line

The 3M Metal And Chrome Polish will restore the showroom look of your chrome wheels, grille, and trim elements easily, safely, and without fail. CHECK LATEST PRICE

2. Simichrome All Metal Polish Tube

The Simichrome all-metal polish is one of the strongest and fastest-acting polishes on the market, so strong that it removes corrosion, rust, and stains noticeably easier than most of the other polishes on our list.

Its heavy-duty non-ferrous formula uses ammonia, aluminum oxide, and other powerful ingredients to restore heavily tarnished and degraded chrome in just 30 seconds. It’s effective on a wide variety of metals, including chrome, steel, silver, brass, copper, gold, and pewter.

Not only that but the Simichrome also adds a thin protective film that shields these metals from elemental damage and keeps them shining longer. While abrasive, it’s not so strong as to be harmful to delicate surfaces such as those found on watches and antique clocks. 

The paste is fairly easy to apply, requiring nothing more than a clean microfiber cloth and a little elbow grease.

A downside to the Simichrome is that you get a tiny but pricey quantity to work with and it contains toxic chemicals that can prove harmful if accidentally swallowed or exposed to the eyes.

Product Specs

• Type: Paste
• Volume: 1.76 oz (52 ml)

Bottom Line

The Simichrome is so effective and versatile that it’s a longtime favorite among antique collectors, car and motorcycle owners, and professional detailers. CHECK LATEST PRICE

3. Mothers 05212 California Gold Chrome Polish

The Mothers California Gold Chrome Polish is an incredible value. Not only is it an effective cleaner and polish, but you also get a generous amount for a very reasonable price.

The thick, rich, and easy-to-use cream gently but deeply cleans, polishes, and brightens chrome wheels, bumpers, trim, and accessories without causing scratches, streaks, or smears. Use it to safely clean and protect glass and mirrors, as well. 

In addition to cleaning and restoring, the formula boasts advanced polymers that help protect against corrosion, rust, spotting, and fingerprints, keeping your chrome clear and shiny for longer.

Unfortunately, the California Gold Chrome Polish can cause swirl marks and cloudiness if carelessly applied. It also has a bit of an unpleasant smell and is best used in well-ventilated areas.

Product Specs

• Type: Cream
• Volume: 12 oz (355 ml)

Bottom Line

The Mothers California Gold Chrome Polish goes beyond restoring chrome and helps protect it against corrosions, rust, spotting, and fingerprints. It also gives you a generous amount to work with, at least for the price. CHECK LATEST PRICE

4. Quick-Glo Original Chrome Cleaner & Rust Remover

This polish has been restoring chrome and other metal surfaces to their original shine and luster since 1957. It cleans, polishes, waxes, and protects.

Unlike many polishes on the market, Quick-Glo is water-based, non-toxic, and safe for the environment. It doesn’t produce fumes, harmful or otherwise, and you don’t have to worry about irritations or even wearing gloves.

Instead of using sand or other harsh abrasives like other polishes do, the formula uses Pumice, a volcanic mineral that rapidly breaks down to smaller sizes to make the polishing process gentler and less likely to scratch or damage the surface.

Use it anywhere oxidation or rust is present. In addition to metals such as chrome, stainless steel, and brass, it works on glass and whitewalls. 

A problem with Quick-Glo is that high temperatures can cause it to turn from a cream into a liquid, making it practically useless. Also, it doesn’t contain fillers, so don’t expect it to repair pitting, fine scratches, and other microdamage like many paste polishes do.

Product Specs

• Type: Cream
• Volume: 8 oz (236 ml)

Bottom Line

While not the outright best chrome polish, the Quick-Glo Original Chrome Cleaner And Rust Remover is a tried and tested, non-toxic chrome polish and rust remover that works safely on a variety of metal surfaces, as well as mirrors and whitewalls. CHECK LATEST PRICE

5. Eagle One Nevr-Dull Wadding Chrome Polish

The Eagle One Nevr-Dull Chrome has stood the test of time, seeing as it has been on the market for more than 70 years. 

Its formula works well to restore and protect the surfaces of most metals to their original finish, allowing you to effortlessly cut through built-up grime, grease, tar, corrosion, and rush with little effort.

This is a mildly abrasive polish, meaning there is little to no risk of scratching or damaging even the most delicate metal surfaces. It works on a variety of metal surfaces, not just chrome, including steel, aluminum, and brass.

Unlike liquid, cream, and paste polishes, it comes as a cotton wadding that’s been pre-soaked in the polish. Using it, therefore, only requires cutting a piece of the wadding and rubbing it gently on the chrome surface.

The Eagle One Nevr-Dull Wadding Chrome Polish does well for standard, everyday polishing; however, its low abrasive content may make it unsuitable for more severe restorations. Also, there have been instances of the cotton wadding being too dried out to be usable.

Product Specs

• Type: Wadding
• Volume: 5 oz

Bottom Line

The Eagle One Nevr-Dull has been around for over 70 years for good reason. It offers all the performance and versatility that most people could possibly need. CHECK LATEST PRICE

6. Autosol Utosol 0400 75Ml Metal Polish

Autosol is an internationally acclaimed brand of metal polishes that has been the go-to for vehicle, museum, and preservation use for over 80 years. The Utosol is an all-metal polish rather than a dedicated chrome polish, but it works pretty darn well on chrome.

As a paste polish, it’s incredibly effective at removing corrosion, rust, tarnish, and even microdamage off surfaces. It not only restores the luster of metals but also leaves behind a protective layer that shields against future corrosion and tarnishing.

The polish can be applied either by hand or using a polishing tool and doesn’t need to be used as regularly as other polishes to get the best results. That’s a good thing considering you only get a 2.5 oz tube to work with.

Autosol Utosol is a bit pricey for the amount you get, however, and requires more effort to apply than liquid and spray polishes.

Product Specs

• Type: Paste
• Volume: 2.5 oz (75 ml)

Bottom Line

A versatile and highly effective paste polish that’s handy to have around for automotive and everyday household use. CHECK LATEST PRICE

7. Turtle Wax Chrome Polish & Rust Remover

Here’s a quality chrome polish from a reputable brand. The Turtle Wax Chrome Polish & Rust Remover is said to transform rusty and tarnished chrome to its original shine and luster. 

Not only does it remove surface grime and minor rust but it also leaves behind a protective coating that prevents future oxidation.

Turtle Wax’s thick liquid polish works great on chrome wheels, bumpers, and other automotive accessories. Interestingly, it’s also safe for use on black rubber and plastic trim.

Application can be carried out in two simple steps using a cotton, microfiber, or foam pad. Simple restorations can be performed quickly, while more challenging ones may require a bit more elbow grease.

The polish doesn’t have a high abrasive content, so it’s not the best option for treating serious rust or fading.

Product Specs

• Type: Liquid
• Volume: 12 oz

Bottom Line

The Turtle Wax Chrome Polish & Rust Remover can deliver great results for simple restorations. CHECK LATEST PRICE

8. Surf City Killer Chrome All Metal Polish

This chrome and all-metal polish from Surf City uses a special non-abrasive formula to quickly polish metal surfaces to a mirror-like finish without scratching or degrading them. Its non-abrasiveness allows it to be used repeatedly in one area to remove stubborn oxidation.

The polish is easy to apply whether by hand or with a polishing tool and supposedly works faster than other chrome polishes — twice as fast! Use it to great effect not only on chrome but also stainless steel, aluminum, and brass.

If it matters to you, Surf City’s best chrome polish is made in America and is the official chrome polish of the American Muscle Car Collection Association. Yes, there is such a thing.

Unfortunately, considering that it’s non-abrasive, removing rust or stains can be a challenge. Also, there have been reports of the container leaking.

Product Specs

• Type: Cream
• Volume: 16 oz (473 ml)

Bottom Line

A well-rounded chrome and all-metal polish that handles standard, everyday restorations very well. CHECK LATEST PRICE

9. Meguiar’s Hot Rims Chrome Wheel Cleaner

Meguiar’s is a household name in the detailing world, and the Hot Rims Chrome Wheel Cleaner is quite effective at removing grit, grime, brake dust, and other road schmutz that collect on your vehicle’s chrome parts.

The cleaner is a foam solution that comes in a spray bottle, so it’s incredibly easy to apply and adheres to surfaces better than liquid cleaners and polishes. The bottle’s trigger even features a locking spray mechanism that helps make it child-safe. 

Each bottle comes with a generous amount of the cleaner for a relatively low price, giving you enough for multiple projects.

Unforuatney, Meguiar’s Hot Rims is better at cleaning than polishing as the formula is not as aggressive as some other polishes at removing corrosion and rust. 

It’s also primarily effective on genuine chrome-plated wheels and can damage other metals such as magnesium and uncoated aluminum, as well as powder-coated or anodized wheels.

Product Specs

• Type: Liquid foam
• Volume: 24 oz (710 ml)

Bottom Line

Cleaning and polishing your wheels to a sparkling shine doesn’t get any easier than with Meguiar’s Hot Rims Chrome Wheel Cleaner. CHECK LATEST PRICE

10. Star Brite Marine Grade Chrome & Stainless Steel Cleaner, Polish & Protectant

Star Brite is known for making some very durable cleaners and polishes for cars, motorcycles, RVs, and household appliances and accessories, and this marine-grade chrome polish is no exception.

It restores and shines chrome surfaces in one easy step, leaving behind a protective barrier against staining, rusting, pitting, discoloration, and road schmutz. If you have a boat, it fights the damaging effects of saltwater.

It’s as easy and straightforward to use as any cream-based polish and works well on other metals such as stainless steel, copper, brass, and tin.

Unfortunately, the polish can leave streaks if not properly wiped clean, has a kerosene-like smell that some people find unbearable, and may take longer to use than other similar chrome polishes.

Product Specs

• Type: Liquid
• Volume: 8 oz (237 ml)

Bottom Line

Star Brite delivers a compelling chrome polish that cleans, polishes, and protects chrome surfaces well enough for the needs of most people. CHECK LATEST PRICE

Chrome Polish Buying Guide

To find the best chrome polish for detailing your sweet ride, you need to know what exactly chrome polish is, the benefits of using it, the types and varieties available, what you can expect to pay, and the key features to look out for.

What Is Chrome Polish

Chrome polish is a type of metal polish specially formulated for detailing and restoring chrome surfaces.

Dirty or oxidized chrome looks dull and cloudy, provides very poor reflection, and stains easily. If used properly, a good chrome polish will restore its gloss, shine, reflection, and smoothness.

Many products also contain cleaning agents that remove dirt, debris, and other substances, allowing the metal to be cleaned and polished in one step. Even more, they can treat surface-level rust that forms from the metal underneath, helping prevent further rusting.

Chrome Polish Vs Metal Polish

When shopping for chrome polish, you will notice that some products are specifically intended for use on chrome, while others are formulated for all metal surfaces. If you’re wondering which one is better, there is usually not much of a difference between the two.

While a formula designed specifically for chrome may deliver a slightly better shine and cause less streaking, the best all-metal polishes generally work very well on chrome. 

Conversely, many chrome polishes can be used on other metals such as steel and aluminum to great effect.

So, if you want to restore and protect your chrome and aren’t too concerned about achieving the most immaculate shine, an all-metal polish should work just fine.

Benefits Of Chrome Polish

As we touched on in the previous section, there are quite a few good reasons for using chrome polish. Let’s look at those benefits in more detail.

Maintain Car’s Appearance

It’s not just your car’s paint job that gets dirty and fades over time from exposure to the elements — chrome wheels, bumpers, and other components do, as well. 

Fortunately, just like how a quality car wax can enhance the appearance of your paint and make it “pop”, polishing your car or bike’s chrome components regularly with a specially-made polishing compound will keep them shining like new and prevent fading.

Protect Metal Underneath

Chrome doesn’t oxidize or rust, which is why carmakers use chrome plating to protect other metals that are prone to rust.

However, chrome does fade and wear out over time, which can leave the metal underneath exposed to the corrosive effects of the elements. A quality chrome polish will, therefore, help retain the protective properties of any chrome plating on your car.

Cleaning 

Most chrome polishes do more than just restore chrome wheels and other components — they also clean them. You will essentially be cleaning, restoring, and protecting your chrome finish in one step rather than several.

Retain Value Of Car

Having the chrome trim on your car look shiny and new will increase the appeal of the overall car and help retain its value. Of course, the earlier and more frequently they are polished, the more value will be retained.

Types Of Chrome Polish

As with general metal polishes, there are three types of chrome polish — Liquid, cream, and paste — each with unique advantages and disadvantages.

Liquid

Liquid is the most popular form of chrome polish, no less because it’s the easiest to use. If you want to polish your chrome quickly, liquid chrome polish will likely be your best bet.

The problem with these polishes is that they work well for surface-level detailing but not for restoring faded or corroded chrome. They also need to be used more frequently than cream and liquid polishes.

Cream

Compared to liquid polishes, cream chrome polishes are more viscous in composition and typically contain a different set of ingredients, including abrasives, that makes them more effective at removing dirt, rust, and fading.

Many of them also have restorative ingredients that fill in microdamage on surfaces, as well as wax or other similar components that depart a thin protective layer.

Cream polishes are more expensive and require more effort to apply than liquid polishes, but they deliver better results.

Paste

Paste chrome polishes are very thick and require the most effort to apply; however, they deliver the best results, especially at the hands of a professional.

These polishes contain the highest concentration of abrasive ingredients, so they can damage a finish if not carefully applied. They are not recommended for routine touch-ups.

Top Chrome Polish Brands

We don’t think there is a single best chrome polish brand, but the following are several big-name brands that have a reputation for delivering quality.

Meguiar’s

When it comes to the world of car detailing, few brands are as experienced, popular, and trusted as Meguiar’s. From car paint sealants to ceramic coating products, upholstery cleaners to leather conditioners, and wheel cleaners to headlight restoration kits, Meguiar’s has something for you.

It also offers some of the best chrome cleaners and polishers on the market, including the Hot Rims Chrome Wheel Cleaner.

Mothers

Mothers is another popular car detailing brand that offers a wide range of products, including car soaps, waxes, paint sealants, and detailing tools. While best known for its paint care products, the company boasts several impressive chrome polishes.

The Mothers 05212 California Gold Chrome Polish, in particular, is a very good value.

Turtle Wax

Here is another car detailing brand you’re likely familiar with. Often vying with Meguiar’s for top dog status in many product segments, Turtle Wax is best known for the affordability and ease of use of its products.

The rather effective Turtle Wax Chrome Polish & Rust Remover fits that bill very well.

Quickway Brands

Founded in 2001, Quickway Brands is the owner of the ever-so-popular Quick-Glo, a brand of non-toxic, eco-friendly metal cleaning and polishing products that has been around since 1957. Unlike Meguiar’s, Mothers, and other larger brands, it specializes in chrome polishes.

Even after decades on the market, the original Quick-Glo chrome polish remains one of the best products on the market.

Chrome Polish Pricing

Chrome polish is a rather inexpensive car detailing product. Even so, they can be grouped into different price ranges depending on how much value they provide.

Budget: $5 to 10 

Seeing as they provide less cleaning and restorative action than cream and paste-based polishes, many liquid chrome polishes can be found in this price range. 

Some very good creams and paste polishes can also be found at these prices; however, they are usually sold in small bottle sizes of only a few ounces.

Mid-Rage: $10 to $25

This is the sweet spot for most buyers. You will find a large selection of every type of chrome polish from just about every brand. You also get a greater volume of the product — upwards of 20 ounces, typically.

High-End: Over $25

“Premium” in this case means a larger volume of the polish and the addition of detailing accessories such as sponges and buffers.

Chrome polishes by the gallon are available at these prices, but hardly anyone needs such a large quantity.

Features Of The Best Chrome Polish

Now that you know what exactly chrome polish is and have gone over some of the top chrome polishes on the market, let’s talk about the factors you should consider when buying one. 

Suitability

Consider the severity of the restoration and the type of chrome polish that’s best suited for the job. Liquid polishes are easy to use but offer the least cleaning and restorative action. They are best used for regular touch-ups, not rust or fade removal.

Cream chrome polishes contain more abrasive ingredients and, therefore, provide deeper cleaning and polishing. Though requiring more effort to use than liquid polishes, they can handle surfaces with rust, extensive fading, and microdamage far better.

Paste chrome polishes are heavy-duty formulas that boast the highest concentration of abrasives. They are the best type of chrome polish for dealing with corrosion and fading; however, care must be taken that their strong abrasive ingredients don’t damage the surface.

Paste polish requires the most skill to use and should be reserved for the most severe restorations.

Versatility

You want the most value for your money, so try to opt for a chrome polish that not only polishes but also cleans. Having both capabilities will save you time and effort, especially when carrying out large restorations.

You also want to be able to use the polish on other metals besides chrome. Fortunately, most chrome polishes are all-purpose metal polishes that work well on steel, aluminum, copper, silver, gold, just you name it.

Volume

Depending on the severity of the restoration, you might need just a little polish to get the job done or a lot. 

The amount you get with most chrome polishes varies from just a few ounces to 20 ounces. If a polish comes in a very small volume, you may need to purchase several of it to treat large surface areas. 

Also consider the potency of the polish. Paste polishes, for instance, are very potent, so a little goes a long way.

How To Apply Chrome Polish

Chrome polish is applied the same way as any other metal polish. The process is straightforward but the time and effort required will depend on the type of polish you use.

As with anything you buy for your car, you will need to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. We’re only going to provide a general guideline.

Clean Surface

Before applying the chrome polish, you need to thoroughly clean the surface. Any dirt or grit caught in the polish as you rub it can potentially scratch the chrome.

Wash your surface with proper car shampoo, a metal cleaner, or, if working on chrome wheels, a quality wheel cleaner. Remove as much loose dirt, debris, or other contaminants as possible. If necessary, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach spots.

After cleaning the surface, wipe it dry with a clean microfiber tower or, if appropriate, let it air-dry.

Apply The Polish

Follow these steps to apply your chrome polish once the surface has been prepped.

Step 1. Apply the appropriate amount of chrome polish to the surface (usually just a few drops). If working on a large surface, divide it into smaller sections and work on one section at a time.

Step 2. Either using an application pad or a polishing tool such as a car polisher, slowly work the product over the surface at a moderate speed/pace. Polish in a circular pattern if using a pad.

Step 3. Gradually increase your speed/pace and work the surface until the polish is no longer visible. 

Step 4. Using a clean microfiber towel, buff out any residue.

Step 5. If satisfied with the results, pat yourself on the back for a job well done. Otherwise, repeat the process until you’re happy with what you see.

Chrome Polish FAQs

Want to learn more about chrome polish? The answers to the following questions should provide you with additional useful information.

What Tools Do I Need To Use Chrome Polish?

You don’t require any special products, tools, or equipment to effectively use chrome polish. All that’s needed is an application pad to apply the polish and a clean microfiber cloth or towel to buff.

A polishing tool such as a car polisher can speed up the process on large restorations, but it’s not necessary. 

How Long Does It Take For Chrome Polish To Work?

Chrome polish typically works immediately if applied properly. Some difficult jobs, such as restoring extremely worn and faded chrome, will require using more of the polish to achieve desired results, but the effects should be noticeable during or not long after the restoration.

Does Chrome Polish Work On Other Metals?

Many chrome polishes are designed to work on other metals besides chrome, including stainless steel, aluminum, silver, brass, copper, and even gold. Similarly, most all-metal polishes can be used on chrome.

Of course, always check the label to make sure the product is compatible with the metal surface you’re working on.

Final Thoughts

Chrome has special properties that make it a popular decorative element on cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles. Its high level of shine and luster grabs attention, while its resistance to corrosion makes it well suited for protecting metals that do rust.

Chrome can tarnish and lose its sparkle quickly and scratches easily, however, so polishing it on a regular basis is essential to keeping it in good condition. 

To that end, we reviewed a selection of great chrome polishes and provided a detailed buying guide to help you find the right polish for your detailing needs.

Our pick for the best chrome polish is the 3M Chrome and Metal Polish, a highly effective all-purpose polish that can handle the toughest detailing jobs. As for our value pick, the Mothers California Gold Chrome Polish is hard to beat as it provides a strong formula for very little money.