I've tried multiple methods, but none work really well.  I'm curious how others do it.

Micro polishing cloth works.

Tom

Ketchup

Rubbing compound and a buffing wheel? Jewelers rouge and a soft cloth in front of the TV? An astringent like Ketchup^^^.  Maybe try Never Dull or Brasso ( silver/brass/metal polishing stuff ). 

Best of luck!

FM

I've tried a few different methods over the years with varying levels of success.

Most of that depended on just how tarnished the blades were at the start.

These include toothpaste, a couple of different Metal polishes and clothes,

as well as a few car care products. 

In the end, I've settled on simple toothpaste.

It's the easiest to work with, always rinses completely away and does a decent job.

When I can't get the results I'm looking for with that,

it's time to replace it. 

I do carry a decent supply of spare blades & split rings just for that occasion. 

Good Luck.

A-Jay

 

I use Renaissance wax. It’s good for wood and metal. Museums use it.  You can get it on Amazon

Simichrome polish

Jewelry cleaner. If you have complete trash than it won’t help, but if you’re just looking to quick and simple gleam up your shine; it works well. Typically comes with a little scrub brush too, which is nice 

1 hour ago, Motoboss said:

Nevr-Dull
 

Classic!! 

8 minutes ago, RRocket said:

Classic!! 

Yeah, that can is over twenty years old and pungent as ever!

I use a polishing wheel that I use for other purposes.

Blades are inexpensive and generally not worth the effort to polish. Nickel plating is very thin and unless a rare lure no need to polish besides a little brightening with a micro cloth.

Tom

 

Jewelry wipes that you can get at Walmart. 

 

Allen 

I use Brasso and have for years but toothpaste will work also. If I want to really top them off I finish with Slick Mist ceramic. 

I've used this stuff for quite a while. It works very well, doesn't cost an arm and a leg and it's readily available. Even at Wal-Mart.

 

Tom

I do keep a tarnished gold willow tandem in my arsenal. It works well with a sunfish skirt around bream beds. Just gives a little bit of flash.

On 10/24/2025 at 4:51 PM, Fishingmickey said:

Jewelers rouge and a soft cloth

This works the best.

I used to use Barkeepers Friend which works great and great to have around the kitchen. 

 

Important FYI: this thread is NOT Bait Monkey Approved. 
 

The appropriate thing to do is order at least 3 replacement spinnerbaits to replace one with a substandard finish on the blades. 

21 minutes ago, Jigfishn10 said:

This works the best.

I used to use Barkeepers Friend which works great and great to have around the kitchen. 

 

 

This is great stuff.

Earth Brite. Get a little on your finger and thumb, a touch of water to help emulsify, rub blade between finger and thumb, rinse. Repeat if necessary.

Colgate toothpaste.

Just like when I was in the military, Brass-o.

43 minutes ago, volzfan59 said:

Just like when I was in the military, Brass-o.

Same stuff I use for polishing up air-brush needles....it's really multi-purpose.

Never tried it, but maybe some car wax and a small buffing wheel on a dremel.