I use 3M Perfect III automotive buffing compound on all my sand and buff wrap projects over the years. Get yourself a 3" buffing pad kit to include a lambswool pad and a foam pad. The kit has a velcro adapter pad that I chuck into my cordless drill. Spray the lambswool pad down with water then put the buffing compound on it and buff away until it is virtually gone. Be sure you keep the pad wet as if it dries out too much it could possibly "burn" the wrap. Then I follow that with Mequires #6 cleaner wax on the foam pad right over the Perfect III, wipe that off with a micro fiber cloth and you will be amazed at the results.

I just finished doing this one for a friend of mine.

I can vouch for the above. I went through a very similar process restoring my '76 OBPs. Started at 600 or 800 grit wet sand paper and went all the way to 2000. After the buffing, I did the Novous #2 for good measure, followed by Mother's car wax. Before & after pics don't really do it justice. The "before" pic was taken under a work light, so the regular room lighting in the "after" pic might make it appear a bit duller. But trust me, they shine as if brand new. The technique really got all the yellow and 37 years of grime out. The white streaks in the OBP really pop now. Next project (when I can find the time!) will be the 26" you see that someone painted grey inside and chopped an oddly-shaped hole in the top for some strange reason! But I don't know if I'll ever find another 3-ply OBP 26"... I digress

That shell is looking real good. Its interesting that in the other thread by bumzdrummer, sanding silver sparkle wrap, he is not having the same results you are having. Could this sanding technic work only on select wraps?

But then again you have not tried to polish yours yet. Cant wait to see the end results. I really want to try this on an old shell sometime.

Wondering if it has something to do with the difference between the crushed glass bit and this. Maybe. The glass might play a role in this. ???

I have been able to sand out some pretty nasty stuff on Rogers red glass glitter, and BDP and WMP along with Ludwig blue and gold glass glitter using 600, 800, 1200, 1500 and 2000 grit wet/dry and then the 3M Perfect III/Maguires product listed above. My vintage drum shop buddy wants me to try it on Roger's Silver Glass Glitter set he just got in with skuffs and scratches. I should get it from him in a week or so and let you guys know what happens.

Bumzdrummer said he was getting better results with a Magic Eraser over sandpaper. Would you be willing to try a Magic Eraser on one of the shells? I've used one on a faded shell in the past with very good results.

-Tim

Its cool how guys are starting to chime in with there results. I would not have guessed that sanding drums was this popular. It would be nice to somehow organize these results to a stick thread or something so guys could easily learn how this works and dont work. Great subject!

Cross thread chatter, My silver sparkle Luddys did not have a big scratch problem. I am removing yellowing/ginger ale and improving shine, a better "refection". The damp Magic Eraser removed years of "stuff"! Aftert that I used the wet sanding to try and improve the clarity. I did not get an improvement.

I then I used 3 M rubbing compound and then Maguires PlastiX. I found I could skip the rubbing compound and get the same results. I have been wiping with damp clean terrycloth towel between steps and I finished with Maguires Cleaner Polish. First drum done: