OK a quick word on polishing and other things
LE VERSION - Simply DON'T. The pieces is Chrome plated over Nickel over an Aluminum base. The base metal of the LE is the same as the EE. Then its nickle plated and then a thin layer of chromium is laid on top. This gives it a tough durable finish that should never need anything more than the odd rub down with the supplied polishing cloth. If its heavily soiled by sweat or anything else, use a damp cloth first. Don't use any polish compounds or metal cleaners, they may damage the finish. We know there are a number of products that won't but its safest to just say don't as somebody will try polishing it with wire wool and sand and then complain.
EE Version - Its supplied as raw aluminum with a protective coating. The factory describe it as a wax based clear coat, but what specific product it is we don't know. its likely a factory proprietary thing. This is only a surface coating and it is to protect the parts as they are manufactured, handled and assembled and to try to prevent some oxidization. Its impossible to prevent oxidation unless you seal it in a vacuum or completely coat all the metal with something impermeable. If you want a totally screen accurate look don't do anything to the piece. over time it will dull and develop a patina, each one will be unique, and that's exactly how the props look today. When they were delivered to the set they were buffed and highly polished. So you can polish it, and several posts suggest good options. The depth of shine you get will depend on how hard/long you polish. But note if you do any polishing you invalidate the warranty as this is considered an aftermarket mod. We have to do this as we have not tested the methods and what if anything they may do to the product over time. We are not trying to be D***S, but we can't warranty anything we have not tested ourselves. We can tell you these pieces behave weirdly... we have two samples here, both have been equally handled and used and are kept in the same place, one is oxidized a lot and has taken on an almost blue grey look, the other looks the same as did the day it arrived... go figure! We should also point out that we made the LE shiny and chromed to look like the prop when it was first made and stay that way. If you want to make an EE look chromed and shiny by polishing it will require a lot of elbow grease and some regular maintenance. We would love to see the different results and choices people make, it will make each piece unique in its own regard, but remember the warranty element. These are not delicate, they are solid metal, but if you try and polish it, mess it up and then contact us to claim its faulty, well we may not be able to help you.
Hopefully .. that answers all the points on polishing... phew...., so on the Cricket do people prefer Chromed or Raw Aluminum? We have made no decision yet but to be honest the logistics of offering two different finishes and the confusion its caused in some circles is a bit of a nightmare so we are starting to think about the Cricket carefully.
