I have recently repaired and refinished a cheapy Asian entry level banjo. It looks pretty but I want to polish the finish. I have constructed a polishing rig from an electric motor and some 150mm (6") buffing wheels. Can I use automotive polishing compound on the finish then buff it off? This will be trial and error. I am thinking of making up a mock neck, refinishing it then using the polish and buffing it to see how it comes out. Any thoughts.
Recommendations for finishing/buffing compounds only available in the US are not helpful. We are limited to what we can get here in New Zealand and importing stuff is expensive, especially for a hobbyist and one who is on a pension.
Lots of people on a guitar refinishing site/forum I used to visit (currently closed) used 3M Finesse-It at the final stage.
According to my quick search, it's available in New Zealand. So are Meguiar's products, though not the same ones I've read of people using or that have been personally recommended to me.
I'm an amateur, having only finished and polished three resonators and necks. The buffing products I've used after wet-sanding are 3M Scratch Remover followed by 3M Imperial Hand Glaze then Meguiar's Mirror Glaze No. 7. (I'm not sure which of the last two is the finer grit) These 3M and Meguiar's products might not be available by those same names in New Zealand, but maybe the same or comparable things are available under different names.
I use Meguiar’s Show Car Glaze. Its abrasive is very mild so mistakes happen more slowly.
For that type of finish ask your local NZ auto paint store.
quote:
Originally posted by Old HickoryLots of people on a guitar refinishing site/forum I used to visit (currently closed) used 3M Finesse-It at the final stage.
According to my quick search, it's available in New Zealand. So are Meguiar's products, though not the same ones I've read of people using or that have been personally recommended to me.
I'm an amateur, having only finished and polished three resonators and necks. The buffing products I've used after wet-sanding are 3M Scratch Remover followed by 3M Imperial Hand Glaze then Meguiar's Mirror Glaze No. 7. (I'm not sure which of the last two is the finer grit) These 3M and Meguiar's products might not be available by those same names in New Zealand, but maybe the same or comparable things are available under different names.
Thanks for the info Ken. Yes, both 3M and Maguire's products are available here in NZ but a fairly expensive when you compare them to to the other range of similar products. I will investigate. Again, thanks.
quote:
Originally posted by Old HickoryLots of people on a guitar refinishing site/forum I used to visit (currently closed) used 3M Finesse-It at the final stage.
According to my quick search, it's available in New Zealand. So are Meguiar's products, though not the same ones I've read of people using or that have been personally recommended to me.
I'm an amateur, having only finished and polished three resonators and necks. The buffing products I've used after wet-sanding are 3M Scratch Remover followed by 3M Imperial Hand Glaze then Meguiar's Mirror Glaze No. 7. (I'm not sure which of the last two is the finer grit) These 3M and Meguiar's products might not be available by those same names in New Zealand, but maybe the same or comparable things are available under different names.
What is your procedure for the buffing process? Do you apply the polish by hand then buff it off or do you apply the polish directly onto the buffing wheel?
quote:
Originally posted by banjonz
What is your procedure for the buffing process? Do you apply the polish by hand then buff it off or do you apply the polish directly onto the buffing wheel?
I don't have a buffing wheel.
I applied the polishes from the bottles directly to the resonator or neck and did an initial rub by hand with cotton rag or blue Shop Towel (a product we have here in the US). Then applied a little more and buffed with yellow foam pads that chuck into an electric drill. Stew-Mac used to sell them. I bought mine on eBay long ago. I think I rubbed out the 3M Scratch Remover (or Scratch and Swirl Remover) by hand only and used the two foam pads for the 3M and Meguiar's products, keeping them separate.
It probably did not make sense to use both Imperial Hand Glaze and Meguiar's. Probably should have chosen one or the other. Again: I'm an amateur.
This stuff isn't cheap here any more. I just looked and 3M Imperial Hand Glaze is about US$30 for a pint.
What type of finish are u buffing ?
Random orbital buffer works best --- does the job & keeps u out of trouble . I've used Meguires for years on vehicles , aircraft , furniture & u name it .
I recovered this bipe w/ aircraft fabric , & painted w/ urethane , then buffed it
Edited by - heavy5 on 01/20/2025 03:16:09
I have spoken to a local luthier here (Bergin Guitars) and asked his advice. What he recommended has saved me a lot of money on buying products I don't need.
