Hey Hobbs, I recently completed restoration of a mid 60's Gretsch set. I initially considered replacing the wraps but decided otherwise. I used the Novus 1,2,3 on the wraps for the first time and was very pleased.

For the toms and snare I applied by hand, but I used my Craftsman automotive orbital buffer on the Bass just because it was so large. It came out just fine, my suggestion would be to get someone to help you, put the drum on a softer object (I used a flattened cardboard box) on top of my deck table.

Apply and buff a small area at a time, wipe, and move on. good luck!

I use it all the time and have never had a problem, only really good results. However, it really is only designed to take out very light surface scratches, the sort that are hard to see individually but collectively make for a dull finish. The Novus gets rid of those and leaves a nice deep shiny finish. I'm not sure the snare rash will disappear. Novus 3 is for deeper scratches but I've never tried it.

I've always done it all by hand

I just use 2 and 1...

I put around a quarter size blob on,starting at the badge for reference,,,work it in by hand as far as I can spread it...... working clock wise....I do not do the whole drum in 1 shot,,,maybe 1/3rd of the drum at a time....I think I first stop at the overlap seam....or..count "x amount of lugs..

You will be amazed with the results!...I just use paper towels now to wipe off the excess Novus/buff with..

Used to use only 100% cotton..but got expensive/time consuming to tear them into little strips....

Please show before/after pics!

I do it exactly like this too.

Thank you all for the tips!

I tried a little by hand last year & was it a pain. Hence the buffer. I guess I'll just have to dive in,

Chris

I use it all the time and it works like a champ. If the drum is pretty beat up then I start with 3 then 2 and finally 1. Otherwise just 2 and 1. If all I need to do is cleaning then I only use 1. Get a bag of cotton rags. I have found with a little elbow grease it works fine. I never really considered a power tool but that might prove handy.

If you are using a buffer, set it at a low speed to avoid excess heat and friction...The Novus system is a wonderful polish to have in your detailing arsenal!!

Cheers

Buffers, unless you really know what you're doing, can damage wrap and acrylic shells. Hold it in one spot long enough and you'll leave behind all kinds of swirl marks in the finish.

Cotton rags and hand rubbing is all you need and the safest way to proceed. NOVUS 3 is already a heavy-duty abrasive, you don't need to use an electric buffer. If you're good at using one, ie; keeping it moving with light pressure the entire time, I guess you can get away with it. But why risk damaging your wrap? 'By hand' is always best.

John

Thanks again all - I'll do by hand 1st - chris