Polishing frets on maple board with Brasso?

Switch625

Title says it all really... is it safe to use Brasso to polish the frets on a finished maple fretboard? I've used it on a couple of rosewood fretboards but not sure on this one. Even though I'll mask off as best as I can I'd be likely to get some on the actual neck/fretboard.

Advice?

Philly_Q

I would think it's safe enough.  Masking's a good idea but even if you didn't you'd just make the lacquered board a bit shinier.

I'd be more hesitant to use it on rosewood to be honest, as it's likely to get into the grain.

But let's see what the experts say....

SteveRobinson

Don't do it.

It will get under the lacquer at the frets and stain black. 

Using a dry product such as micromesh is much safer.

RandallFlagg

I've used Brasso a few times to shine up frets on maple board guitars, used masking tape applied carefully between each fret. As long as you apply a small drop on a cloth then polish the frets wiping off any excess as you go you'll be fine.

Never needed to on a rosewood board guitar but I would mask between the frets the same.

Philly_Q

SteveRobinson said:

Don't do it.

It will get under the lacquer at the frets and stain black. 

Using a dry product such as micromesh is much safer.

Oops.

Well there you go.  I'm glad @SteveRobinson turned up. 

Now you say that, I do remember polishing frets with something - probably T-Cut rather than Brasso - and it did all go quite black.  Not a maple board though.

Voxman

Brasso wadding or Duraglit is better. Both are impregnated wadding. Use a small piece and you don't have a problem with liquid seeping where it shouldn't. 

Sync

Try these plus a fretboard protector which can be had off ebay cheaply.

https://www.crimsonguitars.com/products/fret-rubber-fret-polishing-abrasive

SteveRobinson

I've used Hosco and StewMac fret rubbers but they've never got the mirror like shine that Micromesh does.

Cols

Can’t see any reason why it would be a problem; the lacquer on the maple is protective to a degree, whereas rosewood will be open for the Brasso to soak in.  As long as you have it taped off and give it a wipe down afterwards with a damp cloth it should be fine.

SteveRobinson

I'm speaking from experience, Brasso can get under the lacquer along the frets

maltingsaudio

I use Duraglit and use it on the board and the frets, I find the slightly abrasive properties it has good for shifting the gunk. One proviso is don’t leave it on for any period of time . I wouldn’t consider using Brasso

Sassafras

I wouldn't use Brasso, it's messy stuff even if you mask off the frets.
I normally use Miracle Cloth. You still have to mask off but it's a lot less messy.

davros

I agree, even on rosewood boards brasso can make a mess, it's too liquidy.

I've started using autosol chrome polish, works wonders and much less messy.

ToneControl

I used to use the brasso or duraglit wadding, but I'd oil rosewood first, never had any stains
plus throw away wadding as it darkens

Now I use micromesh, much nicer and more effective

stickyfiddle

Huge +1 for Micromesh. Gorgomyte cloths are the only other thing I've used that comes close.

Switch625

Thanks guys, I’ll get some micromesh to use on the maple board. 

ToneControl

anyone got recommendations for suppliers of micromesh?

PonchoGreg

stickyfiddle said:

Huge +1 for Micromesh. Gorgomyte cloths are the only other thing I've used that comes close.

For gorgomyte (or miracle cloth), do you do the fingerboard at the same time if it's rosewood/ebony? Or mask off? I've read conflicting advice...

mark123

@SteveRobinson ;
Whats your technique for mirror shine, silky smooth frets ? And do you sell the micromesh pads ? or any links to where you get yours ? 

SteveRobinson

@mark123 I buy the pads from Axminster.
https://www.axminstertools.com/micro-mesh-soft-touch-pad-abrasives-211364

I can also recommend 3M polishing papers, e.g.
http://www.metalclay.co.uk/3m-polishing-papers-12-large-sheets/

The one that I use for a final polish is also available from D'Addario
https://www.gak.co.uk/en/planet-waves-fret-polishing-system/20969

guitars4you

I think the first question is how dirty/grubby are your frets - If only light tarnish then a fine micro mesh or even those 'silver polishing cloth' can work

If gunked up and they require more 'elbow grease' then I use Duraglit - Followed by micro mesh or a silver polishing cloth to shine

I never use wire wool as to much debris