Tidying up an old pick guard

[SteveXFR]

The pick guard on my Ray35 stingray is covered in fine scratches and looks a bit rough.

Is there a way to polish out the scratches and make it look good again? I don't like the idea of replacing throwing it in the bin to replace it.

[Thunderbird]

Very fine wet and dry then a good buffing with t cut or similar if that doesn't work to satisfaction could always vinyl wrap it 

[PaulThePlug]

Toothpaste is a fine abrasive... But might make the whole surface a bit matt.

Edited October 29, 2021 by PaulThePlug

[SteveXFR]

  On 29/10/2021 at 19:58, PaulThePlug said:

Toothpaste is a fine abrasive... But might make the whole surface a bit matt.

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Our toothpaste is collate whitening but my pickguard is black. Is there a blackening toothpaste?

[casapete]

  On 29/10/2021 at 20:42, SteveXFR said:

 

Our toothpaste is collate whitening but my pickguard is black. Is there a blackening toothpaste?

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Charcoal toothpaste! Made by Colgate, Arm&Hammer as well as own brand versions by Morrison’s etc. Black paste but not sure how effective it would be for your pick guard.

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

I imagine toothpaste would work best on a mint pickguard

[Downunderwonder]

If you cover it with clear stone guard film the scratches won't show.

 

Alternatively, it would be an opportunity to practice fine rattle can painting.

[Bunion]

Tooth paste and or baking soda for micro scratches.

Deeper scratches, jewellers rouge works wonders. 
if it’s deep enough to catch your finger or thumb  nail when you flick it over the scratch you need to start with abrasive paper and work down to the rouge 

[Bunion]

  On 29/10/2021 at 18:04, SteveXFR said:

The pick guard on my Ray35 stingray is covered in fine scratches and looks a bit rough

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You mean it’s starting to form it’s mojo? 

[Guest]

[SteveXFR]

  On 30/10/2021 at 07:21, Bassfinger said:

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Isn't that a relic finishing tool?

[Bassassin]

T-Cut & elbow grease. Works a treat on poly finishes too.

[SteveXFR]

I've just stolen a bottle of T cut from my dad's garage. I'll report back with results (possibly a thick ear)

[Trueno]

I tried varnishing a pickguard once… I won’t do that again… don’t recommend.

[Bassassin]

  On 30/10/2021 at 16:54, Trueno said:

I tried varnishing a pickguard once… I won’t do that again… don’t recommend.

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I sprayed & lacquered one on a Ricky copy. Turned out quite nice.

 

[Guest]

 polywatch

Edited October 31, 2021 by Ricky Rioli

[SteveXFR]

If anyone is interested, the T Cut did an excellent job. It took a couple hours and four glasses of Highland Park.

[Bunion]

  On 31/10/2021 at 15:32, SteveXFR said:

four glasses of Highland Park

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Ahh the old highland park method, tried and tested for many tasks and usually a winner unless your chainsawing…  

[SteveXFR]

  On 31/10/2021 at 15:37, Bunion said:

Ahh the old highland park method, tried and tested for many tasks and usually a winner unless your chainsawing…  

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The Americans swear by the Jack Daniels technique but the Highland Park method is definitely more effective. I guess its a better tone spirit. 

[Stub Mandrel]

  On 31/10/2021 at 15:32, SteveXFR said:

If anyone is interested, the T Cut did an excellent job. It took a couple hours and four glasses of Highland Park.

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Speed up T-cut by fitting one of these in a hand drill. Haven't tried the polishing bars, just the mop :

 

https://www.toolstation.com/polishing-set/p58727?store=MJ&utm_source=googleshopping&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=googleshoppingfeed&mkwid=s_dc&pcrid=515847200309&pkw=&pmt=&gclid=Cj0KCQjw_fiLBhDOARIsAF4khR2Ekji3rAefGFLzcQH9umTrQ96q81MkafJmYZTjQdKIoT9vAG2SwfwaAu_YEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Geek99]

  On 30/10/2021 at 07:42, SteveXFR said:

 

Isn't that a relic finishing tool?

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Naw - that’s for Pansies 

[SteveXFR]

  On 31/10/2021 at 21:40, Geek99 said:

Naw - that’s for Pansies 

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I don't know how much he was exaggerating but Reef's sound tech told me their bassist ties new basses to the back of his land rover and drives down country lanes to relic his new basses.

[Geek99]

  On 31/10/2021 at 21:44, SteveXFR said:

 

I don't know how much he was exaggerating but Reef's sound tech told me their bassist ties new basses to the back of his land rover and drives down country lanes to relic his new basses.

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Ooh - relic by tarmac - never thought of that.