Rust On Chrome

[JeniPeni]

How do you keep chrome rust free? I recently bought a chrome shaving style mirror for our bathroom and its rusty already. Our bathroom has a window which is normally open a bit, at least, but the shower is used at least 4 times a day. Would I need to dry my mirror (and heated towel rail) each time after the shower has been used to remove any damp? Thanks in advance.

[ToraToraTora]

chrome does not rust.

[bhg481]

TTT is correct, chrome does not rust; it's the steel underneath which rusts when the chromium plating gets perforated or scratched. The only solution is to buy a better quality mirror which will have thicker chromium plating or have a layer of, say, copper between the steel and the chromium. Once the rust starts you'll never really prevent it from keep coming back. Perhaps you're too young to remember the chrome-plated bumpers on 1960's cars which were prone to rust, except for Rolls-Royce who copper plated the steel before chromium plating it.

[JeniPeni]

How will I know whether it's a better quality or got copper in it - apart from the price?

[bhg481]

No real answer to that JeniPeni. It may say "heavy chrome plating" or words to that effect but the price is really your only guide and trust that you get what you pay for. Having said that, if you buy an expensive one and it rusts you have good grounds for complaint.

[Ratty2E]

I got fed up of rusting bathroom mirror and chrome shelving so invested in stainless steel. It is more expensive in the short term but will out last the chrome plated ones many times over.

[Hopkirk]

You get what you pay for.

Perhaps buy the next one from John Lewis or M&S.

[Mamyalynne]

I was going to recommend Stainless Steel too.

[JeniPeni]

The one I bought was a 'good one' from TK Maxx. Oh well ...... Thanks everyone for your responses.

[waterboatman]

Cover the mirrors, having cleaned them first. The cover the glass surfaces and spry the frame with clear varnish, making sure you get into the holes where it swivels.

[mikey4444]

A bit off-topic perhaps, but I have had two of these in my bathroom, for 10 years. Stainless steel, very smart looking and no rust whatsoever ::::

http://www.diy.com/departments/fonteno-single-door-mirror-cabinet/37219_BQ.prd#