NGD looking for some oxidization help

S

Slamundson

New member
Hi guys, just got a new guitar in yesterday. It has a mini toggle for coil split, gold hardware, but it’s got some nasty green oxidization happening on it. Any recommendations to get it off without having to take it apart? Would like to be able to just wipe it with a cloth. So lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, anyone do this before with success?
 
Re: NGD looking for some oxidization help

What about a cheap at home remedy? I’ll definitely have to check out never dull if anything. Thank you
 
Re: NGD looking for some oxidization help

No neverdull will remove gold plating

I would just try gently buffing it first
 
Re: NGD looking for some oxidization help

GuitarDoc said:
Yikes!
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I'm talking super slow RPMS using felt tip

It works amazing for oxidation without killing the plating.

mtp-15-plus-3-hard-3-8-felt-polishing-tip-for-dremel-422-rotary-tool-mandrel-401-1-8-clean-polish-tool-jewelry-stone-hobby
 
Re: NGD looking for some oxidization help

ICTGoober said:
Agreed. The Dremel is overkill....

By the way, real gold doesn't corrode..... So it's probably not real gold plating.
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True, but the nickel alloy underneath possibly contains zinc, which can show signs of oxidation -so that may be what they are seeing.
 
Re: NGD looking for some oxidization help

Sorry pics aren’t the best, took them quickly before work today. I’ll give the toothpaste a try when I get home. If it works maybe I’ll give it a try on the knobs too.
 
Re: NGD looking for some oxidization help

Ah, yes - NOT real gold plating. It's more light yellow than deep gold. You can get it cleaned up, but you'll have to stay on top of the corrosion.
 
Re: NGD looking for some oxidization help

Yeah sorry, meant gold colored hardware. So I tried the toothpaste it worked out ok for now, tho I’d have to watch for the return of it. Luckily i keep all my stuff near a dehumidifier that runs constantly. Not sure if I removed some of the plating, or if it had just rubbed off from years of use, then that’s when the oxidization came into play. Here’s a pic...
070029B8-AF97-4EBA-AD7B-7EE8CBF8C26D.jpg

Another thing I thought of, has anyone ever seen mini toggle switch tip covers? If I could find a black one I think it would look kinda cool. But I am certainly ok with just leaving it as is. Just glad it’s not as green and crusty now!
 
Re: NGD looking for some oxidization help

Ah…. It's clear coated, and that's what is coming off. Yes - as I recall, switch tips to fit those are available in several colors. Haven't a clue where to look anymore...
 
Re: NGD looking for some oxidization help

I am pleased with how it looks though, thanks everyone for the input. I’ll try hunting down a switch tip, I’ve seen a few on eBay but they’re the type that completely cover the whole switch and the base. Would prefer just the tip. That sounds bad hahaha
 
Re: NGD looking for some oxidization help

Any sort of abrasive product you use to polish gold hardware (which is actually gold plated hardware almost all the time) will easily remove the plating itself – if not immediately, then in time, with repeated applications. Metal polish, toothpaste, etc. is all bad. Just use a slightly water damp cotton rag first. Move up in chemical intensity after that. I would go to 1:1 white vinegar:water next (followed by a water rub to remove the vinegar residue).

At a certain point of corrosion, e.g. crap actually coming through the plating, there's nothing you can really do except to neaten it up a bit.
 
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