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Cleaning crud off vintage nickel parts

boburst

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Oct 5, 2002
Messages
125
....OK OK...maybe I'm in the wrong place, but I didn't go to the burst section (cuz I don't wanna be scolded).
I've been involved with vintage guitars for decades, and know how to clean "normal" dirty nickel parts. I even had a National (silver, but similar) that was seriously covered with verdigris (green shit) AND this sort of "crud" shown here. IT was a nightmare to get somewhat clean, but did OK with it. What I'm HOPING FOR is someone who has had success in removing this and leaving the plating looking good (or "OK"). ANYONE? Thanks! -
kluson-tuner-cruddy-nickel
It appears my image link won't appear. Back later
 
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El Gringo

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Apr 8, 2015
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5,657
As I cant see your image may I humbly suggest Dawn Power Clean with a soft cloth ? This stuff is a wonder of a cleaner on all types of surfaces . I would do it in increments and try a little at first and see what happens .
 

VamboRool

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Nov 25, 2015
Messages
424
I've had good luck with "Simichrome Polish". Comes in a yellowish (mustard color) and rust colored tube. I got mine at the Harley Davidson dealer. Just follow the directions on the label. Good luck.
 

Ken Fortunato

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Feb 26, 2006
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I've had good luck with "Simichrome Polish". Comes in a yellowish (mustard color) and rust colored tube. I got mine at the Harley Davidson dealer. Just follow the directions on the label. Good luck.

That stuff is amazing... :peace2
 

boburst

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Oct 5, 2002
Messages
125
THANKS! I did manage pretty well after a soak in Dawn Ultra and MUCH hand work with 0000 steel wool. USUALLY I just use a little compound for dirt/scuz removal and NOT taking off patina. This was bumpy crud but the soaking helped.
 

El Gringo

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Apr 8, 2015
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5,657
THANKS! I did manage pretty well after a soak in Dawn Ultra and MUCH hand work with 0000 steel wool. USUALLY I just use a little compound for dirt/scuz removal and NOT taking off patina. This was bumpy crud but the soaking helped.

Awesome to hear , funny story a car fanatic gave me that tip that Dawn cleans all kinds of stuff including greasy mechanical stuff off clothes . So that's pretty good for me . Seriously Dawn is my go to cleaner at home .
 

Aloha_Ark

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Apr 2, 2020
Messages
154
The green discoloration seems to indicate that the top nickel layer has worn enough that the copper beneath is being oxidized. It (green patina) will come back eventually.

When it gets to the stage that 0000 steel wool is required, something like Simichrome or Bar Keeper's Friend would be better than dish detergent. My experience is that aluminum foil is a better cleaning pad than steel wool, assuming a soft cloth and the above do not work. Also, most abrasive pads end up stripping the nickel plating even further.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bar_Keepers_Friend
 

toneville

New member
Joined
Apr 3, 2019
Messages
20
I NEVER use steel wool. If I find anything that requires de-crudding my choice is Bronze Wool. Rhodes is the manufacturer and I get the fine in 3- packs. It looks like 0000 steel wool only copper colored but doesn't scratch and isn't magnetic so pickups won't get fuzz on them. It really is worth searching out and buying. I have used it on nickel and chrome car trim as well.
 

marshall1987

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Jan 30, 2005
Messages
3,278
You might consider using acetone to remove very stubborn contamination and organic residues. Same stuff as fingernail polish remover. But you'll need to be very cautious when using acetone around any plastic materials & parts, and the guitar's lacquer finish.

I would first try to clean the nickel parts using a Q-Tip dipped in acetone. You don't need much and using a Q-Tip insures you don't use excessive amounts of solvent. Go an additional step by protecting surrounding areas with low-tack, blue painters tape. Some guitar parts are removable; bridges, screws, pickup covers (only if previously unsoldered and removed), and in that case you can simply place the part in a shallow pan with a few milliliters of acetone, and allow a few minutes for the solvent to work. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the parts as necessary.
 

Edwardmoonlight

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Joined
Jul 22, 2021
Messages
1
Cleaning nickel parts is a challenging and time-consuming process. I have many nickel products at home, including dishes and souvenirs, and they require careful maintenance. I can’t clean nickel products thoroughly and adequately and clean the whole house, so I had to contact the specialists from https://www.emop.co.uk/clapham-cleaner. They found me qualified cleaners from my city, and I can easily follow their work through the app.
 
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