Author Topic: Flitz on frets (Read 588 times)

hammer · « **on:** October 03, 2014, 09:33:09 PM »

I've used flitz metal polish on my brass bridges and other brass parts for years. Do people also use it on their frets? I recently purchased a 6-string Europa that is quite dirty.

sonicus · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2014, 08:28:54 AM »

I love Flitz !!! __However ___ I would stay away from using Flitz from any large open wood surface that is not sealed by a finish! I personally would not use it on my frets .

I have used Flitz on my metallic side dots (silver/brass/aluminum) But with caution and great skill with ONLY less then a drop on the end of a Q-TIp.
I then used the lemon oil treatment on the entire finger board afterward.

I make the usual disclaimers . Results may very as to your technique.

lbpesq · « **Reply #2 on:** October 04, 2014, 10:37:55 AM »

I'd mask off the fingerboard with painters tape first. Then the Flitz should do the job without any getting on the wood.

Bill, tgo

sonicus · « **Reply #3 on:** October 04, 2014, 10:54:54 AM »

Yes , what Bill wrote also crossed my mind . If you do that regular masking tape would not be ideal however. It comes in different grades . The BLUE tape with the lowest mastic rating or the highest performance and safest GREEN 3M 401+ MAY be OK.
http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/Adhesives/Tapes/Products/~/3M-High-Performance-Green-Masking-Tape-401-?N=5471778+3294262915&rt=rud

DO this at your own risk. Usual disclaimers.

sonicus · « **Reply #4 on:** October 04, 2014, 11:13:32 AM »

That link did not paste correctly on this server but you can select 401+ in the 3M menu search , or just google 3M green tape 401+

(Message edited by sonicus on October 04, 2014)

sonicus · « **Reply #5 on:** October 04, 2014, 12:04:55 PM »

In my opinion I would just use a soft cloth and lemon oil and rub the frets with precision finger pressure. In my own personal experience that has been very effective to beautify a sadly neglected situation of even a high degree. My single pickup Distillate was a dirty bird when she flew to me with tarnished frets and tarnished everything. Lemon oil with finger pressure worked swell on nasty frets and she now sings like a pretty bird ! all proud and clean ___ You can cover the fingerboard as per tape protection suggestions but you will HAVE to do a VERY precise job or you risk undesirable consequences and it will take up a bit of time to do it right. DOES the bass need a fret dressing ? That opens up another set of variables for when that is done !

pauldo · « **Reply #6 on:** October 04, 2014, 04:59:57 PM »

Would using 600 - 800 grit emery paper (with judicious care) and lemon oil, very lightly on the frets be bad?

keith_h · « **Reply #7 on:** October 04, 2014, 05:19:33 PM »

I would try using the white Scotch Brite pads with some lemon oil.

Keith

hammer · « **Reply #8 on:** October 04, 2014, 07:34:03 PM »

Thanks for the suggestions. The frets do not need any dressing per say, they just appear as is the finger was never wiped off after playing. I've always been a take the least aggressive route first kind of guy so I think ill do the following.

1) Tape off finger board with 3m painters tape (I get it free because I'm friends with one of the 3m chemical engineers who developed it).
2) lemon oil and finger rubbing
3) if #2 fails to work, lemon oil and white scotch brite pads (free given #1 connection.
4) if #3 fails, flitz liquid polish with taped off finger board. I've found the liquid to be a lot less abrasive than the paste
5) Emory paper.

I'll let everyone know how far I needed to go to get good results.

sonicus · « **Reply #9 on:** October 04, 2014, 07:51:04 PM »

When I did the lemon oil and precise finger pressure bit , I did not cover the frets. All went well with that. Just want to mention that to you . Congratulations on the new Bass .

lbpesq · « **Reply #10 on:** October 04, 2014, 10:14:46 PM »

Another method is to use Nevr-Dull. It's a type of wadding infused with polish. Works great on cars and most metal parts, including guitar hardware. It's sort of like cotton candy. You pull a little out of the can and rub stuff with it. I've used it on frets, after masking, and obtained great results. And it's very controllable.

Bill, tgo

(Message edited by Lbpesq on October 04, 2014)

sonicus · « **Reply #11 on:** October 05, 2014, 12:37:06 AM »

I have also used Nevr-Dull on various metal items. It is indeed very controllable as Bill writes above. I have used it on various metal items. This product has been around for a long time ! Good one Bill !

gtrguy · « **Reply #12 on:** October 06, 2014, 10:23:16 AM »

Here is the esay way that I have done for decades and used on many an vintage instrument:

Get a can of WD40 and spray some on a rag and clean the frets with it, then get a clean rag and wipe it off.

It works and it does not harm anything.

edwin · « **Reply #13 on:** October 06, 2014, 08:13:03 PM »

I don't think I want Flitz or WD40 on my fingerboard. But I do use Flitz on my headlights. Polishes them right up.

gtrguy · « **Reply #14 on:** October 07, 2014, 12:20:37 PM »

Been doing WD40 on vintage guitar fretboards that I have for over 40 years now with no problems. I always get people who don't like the idea. It will clean the frets and remove gunk from the wood. You just have to put it on the cloth and wipe it all off the guitar when done.