General Fret Polishing

Gassage

I love it when my guitars some back with dressed shiny frets. As well as looking great, they feel better too

What's the best solution for polishing frets on a day to day basis (other than playing)

Would brasso wads work? What to avoid and what to do?

longjaw

I've used Brasso a few times with excellent results - just remember to mask off the fretboard!

Gassage

I've heard of people using ketchup for really bad tarnishing. Is this a myth?

Maynehead

I don't like using any kind of "product" on the fretboard. Over time it's going to seep into the wood and that's probably not a good thing in the long run.

If you really want to polish your frets on a regular basis I'd just use a piece of micro mesh and a fret protector.

randomhandclaps

Gassage said:

I've heard of people using ketchup for really bad tarnishing. Is this a myth?

No, ketchup does actually work.  But like anything liquid I don't rate them long-term.  I completely agree with @Maynehead and would stick to a dry solutions and masking.

gusman2x

I've used wire wool (finest grade) when cleaning up really nasty fret boards. Feels amazing after, but probably not something that should be done all that regular?

Sassafras

If you're keeping them shiny on a frequent basis it's usually enough to keep the strings clean and giving the board a good wipe with a clean cloth. I wouldn't use Brasso without masking up the board.

I've read that some musos use a polishing cloth called Gorgomyte but I've not tried it (keep meaning to but never get round to it).

There's another one called Miracle Cloth (I think) that's supposedly exactly the same, I think Amazon sell it.

Niallmo

Gorgomyte fret cloth. About £15 from the USA. Enough to do 50 guitars! I do mine about once a year depending on the level of tarnishing. In between I just wipe the strings down after prolonged playing which also should help the frets. I used to use a "Swipe" cleaner too but mines knackered now. Ooo, available over here now...got mine on eBay from the U.S. http://www.bandshop.co.uk/GHS-Gorgomyte-Treated-Cleaning-Cloth-p/BS-GHSA6.htm?gclid=CjwKEAiAgfymBRCEhpTR8NXpx1USJAAV0dQyCjgkDazAlS_CdBv9uk73BrS0J047Hn3bBg_GUl7zYBoC8pPw_wcB

ThorpyFX

I also use 6000 grit rubberised cloth sandpaper.  its called micro mesh. flexible, easy to use and gets the frets very shiny indeed.

Maynehead said:

If you really want to polish your frets on a regular basis I'd just use a piece of micro mesh and a fret protector.

Evilmags

Silvo is much better than Brasso.

GuitarMonkey

So long as it's vintage Silvo.

Jaden

I have used loads of methods.
you can just leave it at steel wool 0000 grade or then follow up with micromesh
you can use jewellers rouge on a dremel buffer

but a tube of autosol will last you a lifetime and do a great job.

I steel wool my frets every single string change.
I often oil the board at this time as well

JookyChap

The Gorgomyte cloths are really good, but Silvo works fine and raw linseed oil for the board does as good a job

EricTheWeary

You could try Chrome Frets which, err, polishes yer frets and cleans yer strings. Not for maple boards IIRC.

spacecadet

I use cymbal cleaner once a month or so. Does the job just fine. This thread has got me thinking about using coca cola though. You've seen what that stuff does to rusty coins!!

randomhandclaps

Jaden said:

I steel wool my frets every single string change.
I often oil the board at this time as well

@Jaden - Do you just steel wool and oil?

Hertz32

I've just ordered a stick of Jewellers rouge and some pointy felt dremel attachments. Should work a treat I reckon

Sassafras

Look for something called 'Miracle Cloth' on ebay.

It's the same stuff as Gorgomyte but only costs a couple of quid as opposed to nearly £20.

Jaden

randomhandclaps said:

Jaden said:

I steel wool my frets every single string change.
I often oil the board at this time as well

@Jaden - Do you just steel wool and oil?

yea man, if the board is clean, its easy to keep lean in this way.. no buildup of crap etc. keeps the frets nice and shiney etc..
i do get through a set of string every week or two so its gets a lot of attention.

EssexBlues

Sassafras said:

Look for something called 'Miracle Cloth' on ebay.

It's the same stuff as Gorgomyte but only costs a couple of quid as opposed to nearly £20.

I agree FYI it now comes with LEMON OIL impregnated. I use it all the time. along with http://crimsonguitars.com/shop/fret-polishing-rubber?search= fret rubber&category_id=90

Very very effective. A quickie with a rubber, then wipe with a Miracle Cloth with lemon oil, look into the mirror finish. Smile and get rocking.

Sassafras

^ That looks like a useful little thing especially if it removes file marks.