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Thread: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

  1. #1

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    Default Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    So I brought home my old Sonor snare. It's from my original first kit I got when I was 5 years old. So this poor drum has had it's ups and downs. Well I brought it home and didn't realize just how rough of shape it was in from all these years of sitting. So I decided to expirement with the classic aluminum foil and chrome cleaning trick...

    Here is a quick before shot of the drum...


    here I am wiping it down with a wad of tin foil and some water


    and it works!


    It removed some pits and some rust and shined right up!

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    Here's a dramatic difference you can see on the throw off bracket


    Cleaning:


    after:

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    and one more side by side section cleaning photo

    Left is untouched right is polished up



    My plan is to take the entire drum apart and give it a thorough cleaning when I get the chance.

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    Impressive results Spaz.

    I've seen a post on here (somewhere!) with a link to a vid on youtube. The guy used silver foil and some cola drink and got great results. When you strip the drum it may be worth cleaning a small area with coke to see if it is any faster, easier, or gives better results than plain water.

    Good job - I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out after the strip and clean. Its looking good so far.

  5. #5

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    Yes, it looks a lot better.

  6. #6

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    Looks great. Follow that up with a good automotive chrome polish and you should be set.
    1976 Tama Imperialstar Saturn 12+1 Platina6,8,10,12,13,14,15,16 concert toms, 16, 18 floor toms, 2-22x18 Bass drums.
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  7. #7

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    Good to know, thanks alot bud
    Ludwig Classic Maple 22x16,10x8,12x9,16x16
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  8. #8

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    I've done that to cymbal stands. Spray with windex, scrub with balled up foil. Works great.

  9. #9

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    Wow, great results!

  10. #10

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    Curses! "Foiled" again!!
    -Brian

    "Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"

    Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!

    "I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham

  11. #11

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    You can say that is SpazApproved lol nice job

  12. #12

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    That looks quite good. I've always used 0000 steel wool. This grade is so fine that it leaves no scratches, but will clean anything that can be cleaned. It's perfect for chrome and leaves it looking like it was polished on a wheel.

    As noted, always follow with automotive wax. I like Rally wax.

    GeeDeeEmm

  13. #13

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    I use 0000 steel wool as well, with some form of lubricant like WD40 or even Windex or water.
    -Brian

    "Too many crappy used drum stuff to list"

    Play the SONG......not the DRUMS!!!

    "I think that feeling is a lot more important than technique. It's all very well doing a triple paradiddle - but who's going to know you've done it? If you play technically you sound like everybody else. It's being original that counts." ~ John Bonham

  14. #14

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    Yep, the foil and coke work. I've used a little rubbing compound too in the mix. Only the drum I did was nickel plated.
    http://www.drumchat.com/showthread.p...n-8287p39.html
    Last edited by Olimpass; 02-26-2015 at 06:08 PM.

  15. #15

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    The potential problem with steel wool is getting micro fibers embedded in the object and eventually attracting rust. I always am sure to wash the object real well after using it.

  16. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by xsabers View Post
    The potential problem with steel wool is getting micro fibers embedded in the object and eventually attracting rust. I always am sure to wash the object real well after using it.
    I've heard that steel wool will put micro scratches on the metal surface vs. aluminum foil. But I have done it on those type of japanese made metal shells. Also one can try one of those magic erasers. They've woked very nice for me too.

  17. #17

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    I've found that steel wool can work when it is very fine.
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  18. #18

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    Default Re: Aluminum Foil for cleaning Chrome

    When you rub two different materials together, the harder one will "win" and scratch up the softer one. So, the trick is to find a material that sits in between the chrome and the grime, in terms of hardness. Aluminium fits that criterium well.

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