1. Preparation & Cleaning

• Rinse thoroughly: Use fresh water and boat soap to strip away salt, grit, and loose grime. This prevents you from grinding abrasive particles into the metal while polishing.
• Dry completely: Water spots or remaining moisture will dilute your polish and cause streaks.

2. Application

• Choose the right product: Select a polish specifically rated for marine chrome and stainless steel, such as Star Brite Chrome & Stainless Polish or Flitz Marine Polish.
• Apply correctly: Dab a quarter-sized amount of polish onto a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
• Work it in: Gently rub the polish into the metal using tight, circular, and consistent motions. Do not use heavy pressure.

3. Buffing

• Let it haze: Allow the polish to dry to a hazy finish (usually 1–2 minutes).
  Buff out residue: Use a separate, clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff off the haze until the metal shines brightly. Note that black residue on your rag is normal; it means the polish is lifting embedded oxidation and dirt.

4. Protection

Chrome and stainless are prone to rust in marine environments. After polishing, apply a protective marine wax or polymer sealant (like Shurhold Pro Polish) using a clean cloth, and buff to a final shine to seal out moisture.