How to Polish Cymbals: Beginner’s Guide [Pics]

Okay, so you’re ready to make your cymbals shine like new, right? The good news is, learning how to polish cymbals isn’t as scary as it might seem! A Zildjian cymbal, known for its brilliant finish, especially benefits from regular cleaning. You’ll find that using a quality cymbal cleaner, such as those from Groove Juice, makes the process much easier. Many drummers often seek tips from online forums, such as Drummerworld, to discover the best techniques, and you can learn how to polish cymbals just like a pro by following our beginner-friendly guide with pictures.

Shine On! Your Beginner’s Guide to Polishing Cymbals

So, you’re ready to make your cymbals sparkle again? Awesome! A dull, tarnished cymbal can really impact the overall look of your drum kit, and even affect its sound (though mostly aesthetically, let’s be honest!). This guide will walk you through the best way to polish your cymbals like a pro, even if you’ve never done it before. Trust me, it’s easier than you think! And with pictures, you’ll feel confident every step of the way.

Before we dive in, let’s talk about the why and the what you’ll need.

Why Bother Polishing?

Okay, we touched on this a bit, but let’s be clear: polishing cymbals is mainly for appearance. Over time, cymbals develop tarnish due to exposure to air, humidity, and even fingerprints. Polishing removes this tarnish, revealing the shiny, beautiful brass (or bronze!) underneath. Beyond looks, it can also help maintain your cymbals and prevent heavier corrosion in the long run.

Gathering Your Supplies: The Essential Checklist

You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to get your cymbals gleaming. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Cymbal Cleaner: This is the star of the show! Choose a cleaner specifically designed for cymbals. Never, ever use household cleaners or anything abrasive. We’ll talk more about choosing the right cleaner later.
• Soft Cloths: Microfiber cloths are ideal. You’ll need at least two: one for applying the cleaner and one for buffing.
• Optional but Recommended: Gloves: Protect your hands from the chemicals in the cleaner and prevent fingerprints from re-soiling your cymbals right away.
• Workspace: A well-lit, flat surface is crucial. Lay down an old towel or sheet to protect your workspace.
• Optional: Drill with Polishing Pad: If you want to speed things up and give your cymbals an extra-professional shine, a drill with a polishing pad attachment can be a lifesaver. Only use this if you’re comfortable handling power tools.

Choosing the Right Cymbal Cleaner

This is super important. There are tons of cymbal cleaners out there, and they’re not all created equal. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Avoid Abrasives: Steer clear of anything that contains abrasive particles. These can scratch your cymbals and leave swirl marks.
• Consider Your Cymbal’s Finish: Some cleaners are better suited for brilliant finishes, while others are better for traditional or raw finishes. Read the label carefully!
• Test in an Inconspicuous Area: Before applying any cleaner to the entire cymbal, test it in a small, hidden spot (like under the bell) to make sure it doesn’t damage the finish.

Step-by-Step: Polishing Like a Pro

Okay, now for the fun part! Follow these steps, and your cymbals will be shining bright in no time.

1. Preparation is Key: Place your cymbal on your protected workspace. Make sure it’s stable and won’t slide around.
2. Apply the Cleaner: Apply a small amount of cymbal cleaner to a clean, soft cloth.
3. Rub It In (Gently!): Using circular motions, gently rub the cleaner onto the cymbal. Work in small sections, overlapping each pass. Remember, be gentle! You don’t need to apply a lot of pressure.
4. Let It Sit (Optional): Some cleaners recommend letting them sit for a minute or two. Check the instructions on your cleaner’s label.
5. Buff It Out: Using a clean, dry microfiber cloth, buff the cymbal in circular motions until the cleaner is completely removed and the cymbal is shining.
6. Repeat (If Necessary): If your cymbal is heavily tarnished, you may need to repeat steps 2-5.
7. Admire Your Work!: Seriously, take a step back and admire your shiny, revitalized cymbal!

Level Up: Using a Drill with a Polishing Pad

If you have a drill and a polishing pad, here’s how to use them to polish your cymbals:

Step	Action	Caution
1	Attach the polishing pad to your drill.	Make sure it’s securely attached.
2	Apply a small amount of cymbal cleaner to the polishing pad.	Don’t overdo it! A little goes a long way.
3	Set your drill to a low speed.	High speeds can cause damage.
4	Gently polish the cymbal in circular motions.	Keep the drill moving and avoid applying too much pressure.
5	Use a clean microfiber cloth to buff away any remaining cleaner.	Make sure the cymbal is completely clean and dry.

Dealing with Difficult Stains

Sometimes, you’ll encounter stubborn stains that just won’t budge. Here are a few tips:

• Multiple Applications: Try applying the cleaner multiple times, allowing it to sit for a bit longer each time.
• Elbow Grease (Within Reason): If gentle rubbing isn’t working, try applying a bit more pressure. But be careful not to scratch the cymbal.
• Professional Help: If you’ve tried everything and the stains are still there, consider taking your cymbal to a professional drum technician.

Remember, patience is key! Polishing cymbals takes time and effort, but the results are well worth it. Now go get those cymbals sparkling!

So there you have it – a straightforward guide to getting your cymbals looking shiny and new again. Remember, how often you polish cymbals really depends on how much you play and how picky you are about fingerprints! Grab your supplies, pick a cleaning method, and get ready to see your kit sparkle. Happy drumming!