How much for chrome polishing?

So, let's say a 16 inch not-too-many-spoke chrome wheel. How long does it typically take to poish each wheel and how much typical shops charge for each wheel?

Also, is it safe to use ultra fine steel wool to polish? It will not damamge coating on chrome or aluminum wheels?

Thank you!

-tom

I would only use steel wool in the case of heavy oxidation or rust, and would not use anything more than 000 and better yet 0000 steel wool. Realize that when you use it, care needs to be taken, especially if there is any flaking or peeling. You will need to follow up with a chrome polish also, as it will bring out the shine but will cause light scratches that need to be polished out.

As far as what to charge it depends on the state of the wheel. A well cared for wheel can be polished in a matter of a few minutes, whereas, a neglected wheel could take an hour or more. Establish a price based on an hourly rate for your shop (include labor, overhead and profit), not a fixed price. That way you get paid fairly for the wheels that take 4 hours to polish, but the customer who takes care of his wheels is not paying for the 4 hour wheel polish, when his wheels only take 30 minutes to polish.

John Moran

All detail pricing should be based first and foremost on an hourly shop rate. That is, take all expenses, your salary and benefits and 10% profit and then determine or have your accountant determine what your hourly shop rate should be and when you estimate a price for the customer it is ALWAYS, hourly rate x the hours to do the job.

HOWEVER, if the market will pay more you can charge more. For example, if it takes 3 hours to detail a car and your shop rate was $50 an hour that would be $150, no less. But if the market will pay $200 to $250, by all means charge the market prices, but NEVER less than your hourly rate.

While it is very dangerous and deadly in some cases, hydroflouric acid wheel cleaner is a great chemical to use to clean brake-dust encrusted wheels. HOWEVER, there are some good non-acid wheel cleaners on the market today that will do almost as well as acid cleaners.

You also need to have the proper brush to clean with, a long-lasting spoke brush

And if you want to polish wheels a Flitz Ball and Metal Polish is the way to go.

If I can assist further contact me directly.

Bud Abraham
DETAIL PLUS SYSTEMS