die-cast parts--how to brighten?
die-cast parts will not "brighten" or polish to luster as chromed steel, chromed die-cast or anodized aluminum parts will--however chemical treatment is not recommended other than for degreasing.
Have had good results with the following:
1) clean all old lube from parts by brief time in hot tank or de-greasing tank--or if by hand with carb cleaner or regular mineral spirits--aid hand cleaning by vigorous brushing with small stiff nylon brush
2) then hand polish clean surface with bronze wool--first with coarse wool and finish with fine
3) tedious process but end result will appear to be die-cast fresh from the factory.
BTW--fine bronze wool is also excellent for polishing my brass duck head on my cane and for cleaning aluminum parts on or off the car as it effectively removes tarnish, dirt, etc. and doesn't scratch
it may not be easy to find bronze wool in Colorado--used by boat owners and sailors here for polishing wood and chromed metal parts. I get it locally here in SoCal at: Crown (Ace) Hardware 1024 Irvine Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92660 in the Westcliff Shopping Center 949-642-1133
