Using my fingernails, I removed a little sticker that was on the neck plate of my 62 Reissue Strat but as usual, there was some leftover adhesive residue. Without thinking, I grabbed one of those Scotch-Brite heavy duty kitchen sponges and went at it. It said, "Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge" so I figured it would be OK, but then I noticed that it actually said, "Also Try: Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge" - OOPS!

So anyway, the neck plate now looks like crap with a dull finish and scratches all over it. Is there any way to reverse the damage?

Thanks...

This worked for me, but it really took a LOT of work...

Start out with the rough-grain sandpaper and sand over the scratched area. At first, it will look worse, so do not be alarmed. Any shiny finish that the metal had will be sanded away.
Continue sanding with progressively finer grains of sandpaper. As the surface becomes as smooth as is possible with one grain, then move to a finer grain. This will eventually result in an area that is as smooth as glass. Do not use excessive pressure because you do not want to sand a visible "dent" into the surface.
Then simply wipe down the sanded area with a moist rag.

Polish the metal. If it's possible, you should repolish the entire surface of the metal so that there is not one spot that is brighter than the rest of the surface. However, at the very least you need to polish the area that you sanded to restore the finish. When you are done, you should have a piece of metal that no longer bears any traces of scratching.

Good luck!

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Thanks Mike! I figured it wouldn't be an easy fix. How much time are we talking here? Do you think it's worth the effort for a neck plate no one is going to see?

to remove adhesive residue, use a cotton ball or q-tip lightly dabbed in lighter fluid

I made the same mistake and went for a metal polishing compound = bad idea. I got rid of the residue but left swirl marks that are so faint, but are just noticeable. I dont know what will get them out and I have since just come to the conclusion that I just wont bother & put up with it. Its on my Squier Tele afterall, not loosing sleep over it

_________________

I did it over the course of 3 days and maybe total of 20 hours or so.

I'd never do it again - buying a new neck plate is a better way to go!

* or just learn to live with it?

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Neckplates aren't too expensive :

http://www.guitarpartsresource.com/neck ... ender4.htm

_________________
Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

91% Isopropyl Alcohol also works well on metal, but don't use it on plastic unless you're going for a relic look. I went for the sponge without thinking - oh well.

Given that the neck plates are chrome plated and not simply polished metal, and that the plating is very thin, you have probably removed at least the final plating layer (there are several layers depending on the chrome plating process used) and now have the potential for the plate corroding. Not a solution I would recommend. Replacement is the best option.

_________________
Bill

Fully agree with bluesky636.