Headlight reflector finish cleaning

KiWinUS

KiWinUS

Well-known member
Guys a have several silver finish headlight reflectors that may be good but they are very shelf dirty. A tried and true suggestion or solution for cleaning them and protecting the silver would be much appreciated.
 
That silver plate is extremely thin. Any more than just a few swipes with a soft cotton rag and you wipe it rite off. practice on an old junky one
 
Yes thanks CAs that is exactly why I’m asking for experience. I’m thinking soak in CocaCola and soap wash?
 
I used a regular silver cleaner, I forget the brand, maybe too harsh? dunno. If your just after old shelf dust, maybe soap and water first?
 
With the new focused LED bulbs the reflector no longer needs to reflect. So I would say why bother? But that said......my wife polishes silver for museums, she washes first with a special soap and water but dawn dish soap would be fine. For plated items she then starts with red rouge powder on cotton flannel pads lubricated with ethanol. For a higher shine she finishes up with lamp black dry on real natural chamois and a final wash and dry. If solid silver you can start with calcium carbonate or if really blackened with tarnish diatomaceous earth but it will go through plate like the reflectors down to base metal real quick. If they are tarnished at all there will be little to no silver left when you are done as the tarnish is AG2SO4, which means as you remove the tarnish you remove silver.
 
On my 38 I used wrights siver polish , it worked great but as said before wash them with soap and water first and then go gently with a soft cloth. Tim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top