What cymbal polish do you recommend?

[FlyByNight]

I'm looking for a polish for b8 and b20. Something that won't be too harsh on the logos, but gives the best shine, and removes fingerprints and what not without a hassle.

*I didn't mean to use the pink face for the thread*

[crispycritters]

Good luck with your search!

One thing to bear in mind is that most B8 cymbals have a clear coat of lacquer because exposed B8 tends to corrode much faster than B20.
Personally I believe ALL dedicated cymbal cleaning products are nothing more than diluted metal polish and they will all remove logos and gradually wear away the clear coat from B8 cymbals - not as fast as regular metal polish, but they aren't as effective at cleaning either, so its a case of swings and roundabouts.

I clean my cymbals frequently when they get stick marked or develop a ring of greasy fingerprints from choking - but generally I just wipe them down with a cloth moistened with regular dishwashing solution and dry carefully. I only have to resort to cymbal polish about once a year.

For B20 I will use ANY metal polish but clean carefully around the logos.

I have a couple of (inexpensive) B8 cymbals - these I wash with regular dishwashing solution and dry thoroughly - I don't use metal polish on them because it wears out the clear coat. I leave them on stands after wiping dry - and dry them again about half an hour after cleaning. If you miss any moisture they WILL develop light green spots very quickly. I clean my B8s more frequently than B20 cymbals - but it only takes a few minutes to wash them down.

I have several B20 cymbals that are logo free - I use Barkeeper's Friend on these - I take them outdoors, lay them on a paving slab, make a thin 'gruel' of BKF, paint in on with an old 2" paint brush, leave for a couple of minutes then rinse off with hot water. BKF will remove logos - if I were to use it on my few B20 cymbals that still have logos I would tape over them.

[EddieV]

https://youtu.be/cBsWxAvQg7Q

[rickthedrummer]

I've found that this works great for cleaning my cymbals.

I won't argue with Bar Keepers Friend, it works fine.

[Rich_in name only]

Only Paiste cleaner and polish for me.

[drummer]

This stuff works wonders on splash cymbals under 4".

[EddieV]

^ if you buy the right kind.....your cymbals will get nice and warm.


(So I'm told).

[Powertrip240]

Another vote for Barkeeper's Friend. It can be found in just about any grocery store, is fairly cheap and it really shines up my cymbals nicely, just be gentle around the logos.

[Texdrumr]

Agree with above. Barkeeper's Friend and a sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

[rickthedrummer]

This stuff works wonders on splash cymbals under 4".

It works wonders on a lot of things under 4".

[FlyByNight]

The only bar keepers friend I've ever found is the liquid. Can't find the powder anywhere. Anyone use the liquid?

[kay-gee]

The only bar keepers friend I've ever found is the liquid. Can't find the powder anywhere. Anyone use the liquid?

Probably better. Rinse off easier.

all the best...

[Powertrip240]

The only bar keepers friend I've ever found is the liquid. Can't find the powder anywhere. Anyone use the liquid?

If you want the powder, it's available on Amazon.

[N2Bluz]

This stuff works wonders on splash cymbals under 4".

4"?

I guess I'm just well endowed in the splash cymbal department, LOL.

[EddieV]

The only bar keepers friend I've ever found is the liquid. Can't find the powder anywhere. Anyone use the liquid?

Walmart
Target
Ace Hardware
Kroger grocery stores

(at least here in the USA)

[EyePea]

Warm soapy water, follow by Elbow Grease.

Rinse well; then buff with soft polishing cloth.

[late8]

NevrDull. It's cotton wadding soaked in metal cleaner. Non-abrasive and no water rinse off is necessary. Tear a small piece off and wipe down the cymbal until the black oily residue build up appears and wipe off with clean rag. Wipe around the logos. NevrDull will wipe them clean off if you're not careful.

[G-man]

I find the taste of this jelly to rather neutral. I'm not a fan.

I do, however, like the convenient, easy-dispensing tube. Makes it easy to get the right amount on the sandwich.

[late8]

Makes it easy to get the right amount on the sandwich.

G-Man, you had me for a sec. I thought you were talking about this:

[kay-gee]

Vinegar is a large component of Ketchup. Straight vinegar works well on cymbals. Most commercial vinegar is less than 5% acetic acid, so is easy and gentle to work with. The acid dissolves mineral build up on cymbal but easy on logos.

all the best...

[crispycritters]

Vinegar is a large component of Ketchup. Straight vinegar works well on cymbals. Most commercial vinegar is less than 5% acetic acid, so is easy and gentle to work with. The acid dissolves mineral build up on cymbal but easy on logos.

all the best...

I tried ketchup on a ZBT - it discoloured the protective coat and left a slightly milky looking haze. It worked well on B20 though and like Kay-gee said, didn't affect logos.

[FlyByNight]

For those that use bar keeper's, how do you use it?

[crispycritters]

I pour some powder in a beer glass, add water, mix into a very thin paiste and paint on with an old brush. Leave for a couple of minutes then rinse off.

I've never seen the liquid version - but it sounds easier than the powdered stuff (which is really easy and fast) - but I'd be tempted to dilute it as its very strong. Its also dirt cheap.

[EddieV]

For those that use bar keeper's, how do you use it?

https://youtu.be/cBsWxAvQg7Q

[Powertrip240]

For those that use bar keeper's, how do you use it?

I use the method shown in the video posted by EddieV. Only difference is I don't put the cymbal directly on the concrete, I set it on a towel.