Commercial Polishįor more heavily oxidized brass, a commercial polish may be necessary. (I find this bath to be a good first step when you’re dealing with heavily tarnished pieces like my hardware.) Above: A good commercial cleaner is by far the fastest way to clean badly tarnished brass. You can also soak your pieces in vinegar for several hours or even overnight. Others add flour to their acid/salt combos to make a paste which they leave on the brass for 10 minutes, then buff away. Some people also use lemon juice and salt in similar proportions. But make sure the salt is not too coarse, as it can scratch the brass. You can also add 1 teaspoon salt to 1/4 cup of vinegar to boost the polishing effects. To use, simply dip the end of a soft, clean cloth into your vinegar and rub the brass until it shines. I like to start with straight white vinegar, which is usually all I need to touch up a piece of mildly oxidized brass. Above: Acids such as vinegar or lemon, even ketchup, can be used to clean brass. For wax, try carefully pouring boiling water over the spill until it melts away. Using hot, soapy water and a soft cloth or brush, clean away any dirt, food, or other deposits. Never use an abrasive cleanser, wire brush, or steel wool, as these will scratch the metal. ![]() For really old, stubborn lacquers, consider soaking your piece in the chemical remover for several hours. You can also eliminate lacquer with varnish remover and a soft, clean cloth. As it does so, the metal will contract from the finish, and you should be able to peel the lacquer away. You may need to go so far as to boil your brass object in a non-aluminum pot. Carefully, remove your piece from the water and let it cool. To remove the lacquer, submerge your brass piece in very hot water, which will cause the brass and the lacquer to expand. You will not be able to effectively polish them until the varnish is removed.įirst, examine your piece lacquered brass is more yellow, smooth, and shiny than unfinished brass. Many modern brass surfaces are protected with a lacquer finish. Above: The results of old varnish or stain, the brown discolorations on these two pieces needed to be cleaned with varnish remover. If it doesn’t stick, you have solid brass. To test, simply hold a magnet up to the surface. I borrowed a simple one from my fridge.īefore you begin, confirm that your piece is indeed solid brass and not plate or some other gold-toned metal. Above: You don’t need a powerful magnet to test the authenticity of your brass.
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