Stainless or chrome windscreen trim(?)

[Jaguar5993]

Hi there,
I have not given it a thought before, but I have all my front screen, bright trim removed (scuttle repairs etc.)on my facelift XJS Coupe and was wondering are they actually stainless steel and over chromed or solid SS and polished (side pillar caps,lower scuttle trim.)
Sellers indicate stainless/chrome and some SS only.
It’s all about whether I re-chrome the parts if I can’t buy new,or getting the bench buffer going to re-polish the stainless or apply the chrome bar compound on buffer.....sorry,sounds a naive question.
Thanks

[davidr]

Hi Nick - I think it's stainless but a quick check with a magnet will confirm (magnet will not stick to stainless steel).

[Jaguar5993]

Morning David,
I hope you are well?
I have always thought they were SS,as there is no corrosion.
The magnet sticks!....so either they are steel and chromed or SS and chrome plated and guessing the magnet is sticking to the chrome bit.Trying not to over-complicate myself
Sometimes the internet can throw one off,as it said you can chrome over SS(?)
Just curious.
Thanks for the reply.

[JimMann]

Don't be fooled by the magnet trick - a magnet sticks to ferrite (iron) and there are many different grades of stainless steel, several of which allow a magnet to stick quite readily.
Polished stainless will have a lustre that is not there on a chromed item - the chrome is more mirror like and reflective in its finish. Even highly polished stainless steel is not a true mirror finish and any reflection will appear 'softer'.
I would bet on them being polished stainless and look at what results I get from buffing. It is possible to get a very good finish on automotive stainless steel, unlike the stuff they use for the kitchen sink!
Jim

[davidr]

Hi Nick - I've just been out and tried mine. The magnet was only faintly attracted to my windscreen surround and much weaker than the chrome bumpers for example. My conclusion is that my windscreen surrounds are stainless. I guess my convertible could be different to your coupe?