Aluminum swirl marks
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Aluminum swirl marks
Can anyone recommend a way to remove the very light scratches and swirl marks from polished aluminum? In some light my endplates are like mirrors but from a different angle you can see there are actually a lot of superficial blemishes. Is there safe technique and product for restoring the factory fresh surface? I use 'Mother's' aluminum polish which gives a great shine but it doesn't remove the faint swirl marks.
Bill,
Unless you're familure with the buffing process, I would advise taking it to a shop that specializes in aluminum work,maybe a local machine shop could recomend someone. You will need to remove the parts to be polished. Before you take anything apart, I would take the guitar, and show them what you have, and explain what you want.
Bill F
Unless you're familure with the buffing process, I would advise taking it to a shop that specializes in aluminum work,maybe a local machine shop could recomend someone. You will need to remove the parts to be polished. Before you take anything apart, I would take the guitar, and show them what you have, and explain what you want.
Bill F
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Semichrome is really good, just be sure to use light pressure and stop when the applicater STARTS turning black. Wipe off the black and re-apply if necessary.
I currentlly use Emmons aluminum polish with great results using the above technics. I usually lightly polish when I change strings, when ever that may be. Usually every couple months or so. Jagwires last a long time. Hope this might help.
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Keep pickin', Larry
I currentlly use Emmons aluminum polish with great results using the above technics. I usually lightly polish when I change strings, when ever that may be. Usually every couple months or so. Jagwires last a long time. Hope this might help.
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Keep pickin', Larry
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I think I'll try and find some of the SemiChrome and try that first. I wouldn't go so far as to dismantle the guitar and have a professional job done because it isn't that bad at all. In fact, to look at it most people would probably wonder what the fuss is about. It's just that I'd like to keep it looking as new as possible. Thanks for the input.
Just out of curiosity, what number sandpaper would you have to use to be fine enough for that type of work? <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Miller on 22 February 2005 at 06:38 PM.]</p></FONT>
Just out of curiosity, what number sandpaper would you have to use to be fine enough for that type of work? <FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Miller on 22 February 2005 at 06:38 PM.]</p></FONT>
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Well I found the Simichrome product online but it looks like it won't be easy to find locally or even in Canada...probably have to order it. The stuff doesn't seem to have a big presence in the market.
I think I'll hold off on anything more drastic for fear of doing damage since I lack experience with this type of work. In most light the aluminum looks great anyways. We rehearse in our bass players garage/workshop which has fluorescent lighting....that's where I really notice the swirls and scratches, not just on the endplates but on the aluminum neck between the pickup and fretboard. It's hardly noticeable with incandescent light. I'm still going to work at it though...but not with anything too agressive. Thanks again for the input.
I think I'll hold off on anything more drastic for fear of doing damage since I lack experience with this type of work. In most light the aluminum looks great anyways. We rehearse in our bass players garage/workshop which has fluorescent lighting....that's where I really notice the swirls and scratches, not just on the endplates but on the aluminum neck between the pickup and fretboard. It's hardly noticeable with incandescent light. I'm still going to work at it though...but not with anything too agressive. Thanks again for the input.
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There is a similar European brand that I am certain is sold in many countries all over the world, called Autosol, sold in every auto parts store and gas station I've ever been to. It's been around for like 50 years and is perfect for chrome, aluminum and even gelcoat and lacquer polishing. Probably the same stuff as Simichrome.
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I checked out Scotty's website...they have the Simichrome but they don't ship outside the U.S.
Glenn, we have a Rona store here so I'll have a look. I'm already using the 'Mother's' aluminum polish and it gives a great shine but it doesn't get rid of those feathery scratch marks....or hasn't in my case. But Bobby Boggs says the Simichrome won't do that either.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Miller on 23 February 2005 at 11:13 AM.]</p></FONT>
Glenn, we have a Rona store here so I'll have a look. I'm already using the 'Mother's' aluminum polish and it gives a great shine but it doesn't get rid of those feathery scratch marks....or hasn't in my case. But Bobby Boggs says the Simichrome won't do that either.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Bill Miller on 23 February 2005 at 11:13 AM.]</p></FONT>
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Hey Bill, all things age. With objects they call it "patina" with old steel players there are many names for it. There is nothing wrong with wanting to keep your guitar looking like new, so go ahead and shine it occasionally. However you may want to leave a ding or two in it for old times sake. Like "I remember the night I got that scratch" or "WOW I was really cook'n that time I melted the finish in that spot". I have a mark or two on the finish of mine that I do not know how they got there but I sure would not want to refinish the guitar to get rid of them. It is that first scratch or two or ding on a brand new guitar that hurts, after that it is PATINA. Probably not worth tearing down the guitar for.
That is my 2 cents worth, and by the way Simichrome is good stuff.
That is my 2 cents worth, and by the way Simichrome is good stuff.
Erv.<SMALL>When I refinished my Stringmaster, I think I ordered sandpaper as fine as #1200</SMALL>
Try using 1400.Not available in every store but use it and you get a better look.
But there is something else I like better then paper and that is what we (in Holland) call steel wool.
Nothing can't beat that.
BTW.Thanks for "Constantines" adress.They have what I need.
Ron
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<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Ronald ! on 23 February 2005 at 03:09 PM.]</p></FONT>