What is the best way to make end-plates shine like mirrors?

Michael Yahl · From: Troy, Texas!

It appears that some of the damage is severe enough that there is 'proud' material above the primary surface. I would take a sharp file and very lightly file that material off prior to using the sandpaper. Be careful to not contact the primary surface and add additional scratches.

This will avoid tearing up many sheets of sandpaper and also make the job go much faster without the risk of excessive sanding of the surrounding area.
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Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

That's why chromed endplates and pedal bars were a $500 extra. They needed extra quality polishing before plating.
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Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

When I was the expediter at a plating company (early 80's), decorative chrome plating was:

1. Polish bare metal close to a mirror finish.
2. Copper plate
3. Polish again
4. Nickel plate
5. Polish again
6. Chrome plate

Expensive!
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Andy Eder · From: North Florida, USA

Hey Lane and Richard,

I appreciate your input, how much does it cost to just buy a new end-plate?

Andy

Richard Sinkler · From: aka: Rusty Strings -- Missoula, Montana

Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

Was that an MSA? Try talking to Pali or Michael Yahl
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2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
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Lane Gray · From: Topeka, KS

I'd send a picture to Blue Mountain Metal Finishing in Bethel, PA. They're affordable, fairly quick and pretty good.
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Andy Eder · From: North Florida, USA

Nothing specific, just a general question.

Andy Eder · From: North Florida, USA

Larry Allen · From: Kapaa, Kauai,Hawaii

Hi Andy..I've been using X-Treem for 30+ years on end plates, motorcycles, etc....easy to use....Larry

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Andy Eder · From: North Florida, USA

Hi Larry,

That sounds like a good one.

Thanks,
Andy

PM sent.

Chris Templeton · From: The Green Mountain State

I have used Semichrome polish for years. Never had a problem with it being "too abrasive". What happens when it is too abrasive? It doesn't leave scratches, I haven't noticed a thinning of the metal. It leaves a great shine on metal.Over the years, I've probably tried 4 other brands, but none compare to Semichrome.
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Andy Eder · From: North Florida, USA

Thanks Chris, I'll probably pick up a few different remedies and try them.

Thanks again,
Andy

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

simichrome

Andy Eder · From: North Florida, USA

Thank you Chris, I appreciate that.

Regards,
Andy

Jack Stoner · From: Kansas City, MO

I had the fret boards replaced on my Franklin. Mr Franklin polished the top of the necks before installing the new fretboards. He said he used Simichrome and then finished with Mother's mag and aluminum polish.

Motorcycle shops used to sell Simichrome. I needed some and went to the local Harley dealer. They no longer stocked Simichrome brand, but had Harley branded polish that was exactly the same (the parts guy stated it was Simichrome). "MAAS" that is sold on line and used to be sold at Walgreens seems to also be identical to Simichrome (even the same color).
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Mitch Ellis · From: Collins, Mississippi USA

John Hughey once told me that he used simichrome. I couldn't find any, so I used a product called "Never Dull". I now use a product called "Buckaroo Cymbal cleaner". They both come in a round can. Inside is a cloth-like wadding material that is a little oily to the touch. Tear off a small piece and polish the surface of the end plate. The piece of polishing product will become black as it lifts the impurities off of the surface. It will leave a haze on the surface much like car wax does. Let the haze dry for a minute or two and then wipe it off with a clean, soft cloth. A T-shirt or the washable baby diapers work great. The more you wipe, the more it will shine. It works really great on chrome, brass, and polished aluminum, but I would not aggressively clean mica with it although it wont damage the mica if a little gets on it. I've been using it for years and really like it. It will give you a mirror finish.

Mitch

Andy Eder · From: North Florida, USA

Thanks Mitch, I found it and most of the others recommended for sale on ebay.

Best,
Andy Eder

Bob Mainwaring · From: Qualicum Beach Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

Hi there guys, there's quite a load of information here on polishing end plates, but for me I've used Solvol Autosol for many years. It comes in a tube and is just great for polishing all kinds of metal especially any alloy types.
It looks like toothpaste and comes in a tube about the size of a tube of toothpaste.
You'd probably get it from a motorcycle dealer if not some kind of home hardware store.

All Z.B.est.

Bob.

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