Gun Metal Finish on Vamo is Tarnishing

[schotzky]

I have a "gunmetal" finish on my Vamo, or black chrome if thats what you want to call it, not even sure its chrome. Well, where I grip it in my hand it is starting to tarnish, dark spots from the oils on my hands I'm assuming. I've tried wiping it off with a rag and rubbing alcohol and it didn't help.
Do you guys think some chrome and mag polish for wheels would do the trick, or some other form of polish?

 

[Lerxst]

I don't have the chrome/black one (SS), but polishing chrome is typically all the same. I've used 0000 steel wool on many chrome and aluminum for a very shiny polish. If you don't like that method, you could also use a chrome polish like mothers. Here's a link to an ehow if you like.

How to Clean Black Chrome | eHow

 

[LJG514]

The wear is a known issue on the black chrome. Not sure if people have found a way to restore it yet, but most seem to just buy j-wrap or similar to cover it up.

 

[Lerxst]

The other issue is the quality of the chrome plating. Since I do not have the gunmetal (black) or standard chrome Vamo it's hard to tell how well the plating would hold up to polishing. Especially with the fine steel wool. If you decide to try either, I would suggest testing in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't take the plating off.

My suspicion is that the plating is not a good quality... If that fails, what LJG514 said^^. Wrap that rascal!

 

[schotzky]

I think I'll find a cool wrap for it.

 

[schotzky]

The other issue is the quality of the chrome plating. Since I do not have the gunmetal (black) or standard chrome Vamo it's hard to tell how well the plating would hold up to polishing. Especially with the fine steel wool. If you decide to try either, I would suggest testing in an inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn't take the plating off.

My suspicion is that the plating is not a good quality... If that fails, what LJG514 said^^. Wrap that rascal!

Dude today the finish is coming off, I can wipe it off with my fingers. What a piece of junk. I can't wait for my ProVari to come back in the mail. Had to send it back to get repaired because I dropped it one too many times.

 

[schotzky]

I bought the R2D2 wrap from J wraps, I thought it would look cool on the vamo.

 

[Lerxst]

Not surprised about the plating, but sorry it's happening to you! The stainless steel was one thing I was insistent about when I ordered mine. Anyway, out of all the j-wraps, you picked the best IMO - r2 is awesome! You should post a pic when you get it wrapped.

 

[schotzky]

Not surprised about the plating, but sorry it's happening to you! The stainless steel was one thing I was insistent about when I ordered mine. Anyway, out of all the j-wraps, you picked the best IMO - r2 is awesome! You should post a pic when you get it wrapped.

I should have it here on monday, I will post a picture when it comes in the mail.

 

[Exhaler]

J-Wraps is the way to go. My gun metal is still enroute but I already have picked out the J-Wrap for it.

 

[schotzky]

BOOM got my wraps in today. Here's some pics. r2d2 on the vamo and black carbon fiber on the provari. lookin pretty slick. Let me know if you guys want some close ups.

 

[Lerxst]

Hahhaha! They look frakin' awesome! I love the r2 unit! It makes me want to buy another Vamo just to do the r2 wrap!

Nicely done.

 

[Lerxst]

Btw: love the drip tip on the other

Ps: that tank is really cool too. What is it?

 

[schotzky]

Btw: love the drip tip on the other

Ps: that tank is really cool too. What is it?

It's a sand blasted Phiniac tank. Phiniac.com

 

[schotzky]

I'm using a blue cartomator tank with a silver drip tip on the Vamo it makes it look a lot like R2 since his head is blue and silver. Ill post a pic of it tomorrow I REALLY need to go to bed and get off this damned forum.

 

[mainevaper]

Mine started doing that after 2 weeks... now its coming off, my vamo is all scratched and dinged from all the drops it has taken, but it still works fine, and that all that matters to me...
I never cared what my cigs looked like, so why would I care what my fake ciggy looks like?

 

[Uncle Willie]

I like the worn, beaten and used hardware look ..

 

[AnsonJames]

The black finish is like a clear coat or lacquer, it always comes off.
It's not really resilient enough to be used on anything that gets handled on a regular basis.

 

[premed]

add character

 

[LeoRex]

It's called 'patina' heh...