Portlight frames
I’m not a big fan of shiny metals, especially on boats. And if they shine - they must be perfect. Like on Harley Davidson.
Portlight frames on Meritaten were originally chromed. That was 60 years ago. Time is ruthless, the chrome developed dents and cracks which turned black. Since the previous owner(s) did not remove them before varnishing the cabin they were covered with old, peeling varnish. I felt it’s high time to put it into proper shape. After all, Meritaten is turning round 60 this year.
After removing the frames - with much effort, as they were glued with Sikaflex (what an idea, really - no wonder no one was then attempting to remove them for varnishing!) I could take them to my small workshop for cleaning and polishing.
At first I was trying to polish down the black marks and bring back the glamorous chrome. That proved to be fruitless - the cracks were all the way through chrome up to the brass foundation.
Well, that’s even better. I tend to like more the look of patina which copper and its alloys develop after a short time exposing to wind and water. In my eyes it’s classy. It is also well protecting the metal underneath as the oxide barrier is inert and does not extend any deeper.
Off it went then - with much effort (and noise) I’ve gradually ground down thin layer of hard chrome, up to the bare brass.
After that I polished them with brass polishing paste and high-speed soft pad.
I have no illusions that this mirror surface will last without constant polishing or waxing. That’s not my purpose. Having the parts polished should enable more or less uniform oxide build up, so that before they reach brown-green colour they will not look like someone vomited on them.
We’ll see how it will develop.
