Polishing Frets 2

by Brian Calvert

Below are three separate ways which this can be done: First is the most common method: You will need a roll of masking tape and a supply of 0000 steel wool along with household rubber gloves(recommended for protection). Mask off each individual fret using your roll of masking tape and simply polish them one at a time using the 0000 steel wool. I would also recommend doing this in an area where the splinters of steel wool can fall without worry such as outside or on a non-carpeted area for easy clean up! Second is covered in polishing frets1, the use of a high speed Dremel and polishing compounds (Very messy but effective): Again you will need either masking tape or a fingerboard guard which can be purchased at Stew Mac. Place the fingerboard guard over the fret which you intend to polish and using different compounds and polishing tips you can easily get the desired shine which originally was there when your frets were new. Third is the introduction of a new style of abrasive pad: Using Micro-Mesh you can polish both the board and the frets at the same time. This is a revolutionary product which introduces extra fine abrasives (up to 12,000 grit) on a flexible vinyl sheet. Do not use this product on a fret board while using a lubricating agent though such as oil or water as that can lead to damage down the road (use it dry and clean it afterwards in hot soapy water).