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Matte finish shells-Best way to clean/polish/protect?

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For matte lacquer shells, what methods do you use? I am asking because I just picked up a used Ludwig Accent CS with a Matte Lacquer finish for a very good price. I am going to start it's own thread in the "Non-USA" forum, because there is something odd about that kit (beside the fact that it's a "Non-USA" Ludwig :)). It's got a lot of nicks, scratches and dings, but it's just very dirty and dusty overall.

This is from DW's website:

Q: How do I care for my PDP matte finishes (MX, MXR, FS)?

A: A light dusting will generally do in most cases for matte finishes. For a more thorough cleaning, use a damp (not wet) rag and dry the shell immediately after. You may find it easier to clean the shell by removing the lugs and hardware. If you want to restore a little luster to the shell, use Minwax Tung Oil to accomplish this (found at most paint or hardware stores). After removing the lugs and cleaning the shells as described above, rub small amounts of the Minwax onto the shell. Using a clean cloth, rub it in thoroughly until it disappears. This is something that need not be done more than once a year.

I knew about the Tung Oil thing, but honestly I don't know if I want to get that involved for now. What about Murphy's Oil Soap? Do you think that would work for a thorough shell cleaning?

Thanks.

V

Posted on 9 years ago
#1
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Hot water and diluted Murphy's will work just fine. As advised rinse/dry quickly. Not a fan of tung oil. Whatever you chose for wax you will want to do any touch up on the finish before applying. A couple I do like.

Whilst searching for Gibson Guitar wax. Found this:

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/81315-cleanerwaxpolish/

This works fine.

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=johnson%27s%20paste%20wax

Creighton

Nothing special here but I like them.
Posted on 9 years ago
#2
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dust them, I wouldn't use any "finish" like tung oil on them.

Posted on 9 years ago
#3
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I'm not a huge fan of Tung oil either, but the reason it is recommended is a sound one. Tung oil aside from being a 'finish' is also a 'penetrating' oil that helps to preserve the wood once it dries and hardens. Although it isn't specifically mentioned, the use of Tung oil in this case is sound and justified. It -will- preserve and protect both the wood and the finish.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 9 years ago
#4
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Thanks for all the input, friends!

Here's a quick shot of the 10" tom (on the left) vs. the 12".

I cleaned the 10" with just water and a damp rag, then dried it quickly with a clean, terry-cloth type bath towel.

I cleaned up all the lugs, hoops, etc and then before I re-assembled it, I gave it a light coat of Johnson's Paste Wax (thanks for the tip, Creighton)!. As you can see, the finish is much more rich and "deeper" on the 10". It's a little bit of an unfair comparison, because I didn't clean the 12" at all, but it does make a nice difference.

One question: The Johnson's Paste Wax looks great and is easy to use, but after I applied it and buffed it off, it left the drum looking a little "streaky", similar to when you clean a window with Windex and then the sun shines through it and you can see the streaks.

I tried buffing it again and again, but it still looks the same. I applied the wax evenly. Does the wax just "take" more on the drum than in other places? It still looks nice, and I'm sure the wax would come off with soap and water or Windex, but I was just wondering. I applied the wax with a micro-fiber towel, than I buffed it off with an old cotton t-shirt, then I did a final buffing with a terry cloth towel.

Thanks!

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Posted on 9 years ago
#5
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