Ideas for restoring drum wrap
- Thread starter KenDoken
- Start date
Larry
"Uncle Larry"
Retrobright - Wikipedia
Research this. It works. I know because I've done it. It a method of actually reversing the yellowing. It's a regular miracle IMO.
Read through this thread as well. https://www.drummerworld.com/forums/index.php?threads/pdp-cx-wrap-removal.170764/
It's a thread about removing the wrap, which you don't have to do. There is retr0brite information there. Good pics too.
Basically it's this. You make a peroxide gel, paintbrush it on your shell (don't scrub!! You can leave the hardware on if you want) and set it out in the (not too hot) sun for a day.
The combination of sunlight and peroxide chemically reverses the yellowing. A regular miracle is what it is.
Last edited:
C
C. Dave Run
Guest
Aluminium foil and warm water. Ball up the foil, dip in water, scrub chrome. A chemical reaction happens between the foil and chrome, the water turns into a paste and removes gunk like a boss. Wipe clean with a dry cloth.
Foil will not scratch chrome as the chrome is harder. No (harmful to chrome) chemicals in water.
Winston_Wolf
Platinum Member
Novus' 3-step plastic polish works well if you're just trying to clean/shine a wrap and get rid of a few scratches. I used it a few years ago on some black wrap shells that had a few minor scratches and looked a little dull. Worked great.
I'd avoid using anything electric when buffing wrap. Elbow grease only!
I'd avoid using anything electric when buffing wrap. Elbow grease only!
vyacheslav
Senior Member
You may not need something that involved. I would try some Meguiar's Plastix (made for plastic automotive surfaces and motorcycle windshields etc). Novus 2 works well, but is also harder to find. I would try that route first. Be careful with Novus #3. It can be very hard to remove. Usually Novus #2/Novus #1 is all that is needed. Novus is tough to find. Plastix works just as well as Novus #2. I've used both and Plastix is cheaper, easier to find (any auto parts store), a little thinner (easier to work with) and gives just as good (if not better) results than Novus #2. Novus # 1 is still good as a "final coat" to clean and prevent fingerprints, dust etc.
For something a little heavier/more involved, I've used headlight restorer before on vintage/dull wrap, which is essentially wet sanding with an electric drill that attaches the sanding/polishing components. It works well, just be patient and follow the instructions closely. I've gotten great results with it, but I only recommended for very dingy/dull/scratched up wrap. For 95% + of wrap restoration/polishing, I don't need to go that extreme. Typically the Plastix/Novus route is all that is needed.
I have also found that a good quality car wax (used sparingly and buffed/polished off right away) gives great results and really makes wrap shine. Check the ingredients on the wax to make sure it's safe for plastic surfaces. Most of the "new era" waxes are.
For the chrome hardware-Eagle One "Nevr Dull" is the way to go. Any auto parts store should have it. It's a cotton wadding that has the chemical built in. If you use too much, it leaves a milky residue when dry, but that easily comes off with a bit of Windex.
There's always 0000/000 Grade Steel wool for polishing chrome too. That's a touchy subject as it is abrasive, but it does work great. Personal preference.
For something a little heavier/more involved, I've used headlight restorer before on vintage/dull wrap, which is essentially wet sanding with an electric drill that attaches the sanding/polishing components. It works well, just be patient and follow the instructions closely. I've gotten great results with it, but I only recommended for very dingy/dull/scratched up wrap. For 95% + of wrap restoration/polishing, I don't need to go that extreme. Typically the Plastix/Novus route is all that is needed.
I have also found that a good quality car wax (used sparingly and buffed/polished off right away) gives great results and really makes wrap shine. Check the ingredients on the wax to make sure it's safe for plastic surfaces. Most of the "new era" waxes are.
For the chrome hardware-Eagle One "Nevr Dull" is the way to go. Any auto parts store should have it. It's a cotton wadding that has the chemical built in. If you use too much, it leaves a milky residue when dry, but that easily comes off with a bit of Windex.
There's always 0000/000 Grade Steel wool for polishing chrome too. That's a touchy subject as it is abrasive, but it does work great. Personal preference.
Last edited:
Retrobrite worked just fine on my Ludwig White Marine Pearl kit-completely removed all the yellow!
Larry
"Uncle Larry"
Great to hear. Not many people do it. I did it to a WMP Ludwig as well.
I failed to take before pics. Do you have before and after pics?
IBitePrettyHard
Senior Member
I used Novus polish when I restored my 70s Ludwig Vistalite kit. It did an amazing job.
Apply it using an orbital sander with a polishing pad.
Apply it using an orbital sander with a polishing pad.