This damage appears to be etched into the wrap, so I kind of doubt it will be able to be fully removed because it appears that it penetrates deep into the wrap.

But, I could be wrong? I would try the least aggressive methods first before resorting to sanding. Have you tried something like a very fne auto polish?

Maybe something like Mequiars Mirror Glaze 205 Ultra Finishing Polish might be worth a shot?

If a need persists that you have to resort to sandpapers, I would get the finest wet papers such as something like 2000-3000 grit, and try that first. Then finish up with a fine polish liquid.

Hope this helps, Mark

Thanks for the reply, Mark. Yes, it's etched deeply into the wrap. And I did try some mildly abrasive auto polish and many other minimally intrusive things first. All to no avail.

I've decided to give wet sanding a go. I started with 600 grit. Something I thought would be on the edge of too course. Boy, was I wrong. It did very little to the grime. It did, however, immediately kill the luster of the wrap. I decided to work my way backward toward more course papers in a small test area. I was surprised to find how little "damage" 120 grit did to the wrap. So far that is working fairly well at removing the grime. At the end, I'll go over the whole wrap with various ultra fine wet papers (1500 grit and on up until it's shiny) to restore the lost luster. Not sure if it's worth the work to remove the rest.

I wonder if the colored dots are from mold? Like when you leave something in the 'fridge WAY too long.

See before and after sanding attached.

I'll post more as I go.

Thanks,

Jonathan

Man ! that "stuff" might be alive!! Put the N.B.C. suit on before you start cleaning that "stuff".

That will be a very nice kit when you are done...

Gretsch didn't do too many WMP in the 50's,and hardly any in the 60's for some reason.....

There is a product called NOVUS Plastic Polish that is good at cleaning and polishing scratched plastic. I used it on an old pre-war snare drum I came across. I probably read about it here on the forum.

http://www.novuspolish.com/

Check it out. It made that 80 year old snare drum look shiny.

I ended up using micro mesh wet sanding pads and the finishing the wrap by buffing with that Meguiars headlight stuff. It was what was easily available at the local auto parts store.. The micro mesh pads and buffing combined defiantly helped restore the shine to the wrap... Came out pretty well. MUCH better than before. I left plenty of patina as I didn't want to make it white again and have to do the whole kit to match. Who even knows if theres any white left deep down in the wrap? The rest of the kit looks good. Most importantly, those drums have earned every scrape and scratch. They tell their story, perhaps.

Jon