How to Refinish Metal Guitar Parts
- 1). Remove the strings from the guitar. It is necessary to remove all the strings to get to the hardware.
- 2). Take all the metal parts off of the guitar. The particular metal parts will vary depending on the style of guitar but, typically, they include the tuners, the bridge and bridge plate, the volume and tone controls, and the control panel. All of the pieces are secured to the guitar body with Phillips-head screws. Place all the screws in a cup as you remove them.
- 3). Wash all the metal parts with warm water and a mild detergent. Use a rag and a toothbrush for smaller areas.
- 4). Remove all rust and oxidation. There may still be traces of rust and oxidation after you have washed the metal. Oxidation has a chalky white appearance on metal while rust will be orange colored. Both are bad for the metal and will eventually eat their way through it. If there are traces of rust or oxidation on the metal it can be cleaned with a steel wool pad.
- 5). Apply a metal polish. This is the last step in bringing the metal back to life. Use a nonabrasive multipurpose polish such as Brasso Metal polish. Guitar stores also sell guitar polish kits. Apply the polish to the metal parts with a clean cloth. Let the polish sit for a few minutes. Buff the metal with a clean, dry cloth until you have a smooth, clean shine.
- 6). Put all the parts back on the guitar. Put on new strings.
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