I am interested in this. Sounds like your on the right track with the sanding part but Im thinking that Novus wont be enough to do the polishing. More like rubbing compound and a good slow electric buffer. I would try a small are first before doing the entire drum. You are taking a chance on destroying the wrap and as mentioned, its aged, which is normal. A sanded screwwd up wrap that can not be polished is not normal. Please keep us posted!

Isn't the Novus a 3 part product? Besides the 1 and 2 I think there's a 3 for more agressive levels?

Jeff is right on the coumpound. This is the step you need in between from sanding to polish. Sand-compound-polish-wax if desired.

Good luck with the project. We are all watching them.

I have found some fine compounding products at the local boat supply store for gel coat polishing. I am planning to use my variable speed drill with a polishing/compounding wheel for this step.

I did start with the Magic eraser and was surprised at the amount of "gunk" it removed. More to do, but the water got plenty dirty using the Magic Eraser Sponge and yu can tell by the feel how much it worked. It is also good safe practice for sanding. Too much pressure and the sponge begins failing.

Taking the 16 in shell outside to do the Eraser I discovered about ten tiny silver glitter pieces embedded in the inside maple finish. The finger nail test show these we not recent and likely a factory "feature"?

Attached is a Baseline Photo of the finish and the another photo of the sparkle in the interior (the dots are single pieces of glitter).

Lew

I did purchase a Novus Kit and had no luck. Expensive test. I have heard good things, but it did not work for me. The 8x12 has a wrap repair at the seam so that is my test dummy.

The goal here is to get some shine back and reduce the contrast between the original (under lug) finish and the drum shell. Not perfection. Slow and steady.

Then I will install the Tama Omnisphere HD tom holder......Kidding.

Laughing H

Quick Update:

1) Magic Eraser Sponge

2) 600 Grit sand

3) Novus 2

4 Novus 3

I still have some process to work with, but the results so far show that the sanding is the least effective in improving the finish I have used. The Magic Eraser was the 90% improvement factor. The pic doesn't really really the story. Under the right light you can see that the yellowish discolor is not improving with wet sanding. The Shine is, but it looks like compounding and polishing will handle that.

Chrome: Followed the procedure in the SBP FT video. WD-40 for 24 hours, into a bath of Hot Water, Soap, and bleach for an hour or two. The WD-40 left a residue. I added the step of a natural degreaser rinse, then tooth brush, and then rinse and dry. This works wonders. I will post pics soon.

Today I am trying McGuiires PlasticX on the wrap. I heard great things about their micro abrasion technology. Then I will compound and/or polish/finish as needed.

The wet sanding looks to be an unproductive step due to depth of discoloring / yellowing, and the seeing the sparse amount of still shiny glitter under the clear coat layer. I remember seeing a Rogers Set in Silver Sparkle back in 69. Side by Side, the Rogers wrap had more depth and brilliance to it. It may be a different outcome for a Marine Pearl or another color sparkle finish. Cant say.

Once settled on the process I will move onto all drums. They will be much better when I finish - Already are. I am enjoying this and learning as I go with the help of a lot for great VDF advice.

Here is the first drum finished. 16 FT. Magic Eraser. rubbing compound, PlasticX and Maguires clean and wax. This passed the pick out the bright newer shiny one test!

8x12 Ready for Hardware.

Looks good! I will have to get one of those erasers. Keep up the good work!

I bought one and went back for more. Buy the 6 pack. Rinse often in clean water. they wear our about 1 per drum. They do great work on coated heads too! damp, not wet!

I think there should be more products that are magic! LoLoLoLo

This is a really cool one. Had not considered the Magic Eraser. Good piece of info. Thanks for that. I had a silver glass Rogers 6 years ago that had such a dullness and unevenness to it that I sold it. I'm wondering if this would have saved them. oh well ... live and learn.

I know now.