Sunday, 21 July 2013
How to Clean Brass
Brass is an alloy of zinc, copper and, sometimes other metals. However, brass can accumulate dirt and grease deposits, and may also tarnish over time.
Part One: Preparatory Steps
Determine whether the object is really brass. Hold a magnet to the object. If the magnet sticks, the object either contains no brass or is just brass-plated. Do not use any sort of abrasive cleaning techniques on brass-plated pieces, because the plating is quite thin, and you could easily wear through it.
Determine whether to clean your brass. Just because brass has tarnished doesn't necessarily mean it needs to be cleaned. Tarnish may sometimes produce a desirable patina that enhances a piece. Antiques are especially vulnerable, so if you have a valuable piece, consider leaving it uncleaned or having it professionally cleaned.
Part Two: General Cleaning Procedure
Wash the brass with soapy water. If the brass is simply dirty or oily, mix a mild detergent with warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water, and wipe the piece down with the cloth.
Toothpaste can be used as a mild polish. A mixture of equal parts of water and white vinegar, plus a cup of flour, will also make a mild polish. Use a toothbrush to get to hard to reach places or inside the lines of delicate engravings. Brush gently to avoid damaging the engraving.
Remove lacquer coating. Lay down newspaper to protect your work surface, and use a paintbrush to apply a paint or varnish-removing chemical to the brass. Use these chemicals safely (see Warnings section below).
Polish the brass. Apply brass polish to a cloth, and rub it into the brass. Use a second clean, dry cloth to buff the brass to a dazzling shine.
Reapply lacquer to the brass. Apply lacquer to give the brass a protective coat that will help maintain its shine. Use cotton balls or a paintbrush to apply it. Apply only a thin layer, and make sure to apply it evenly. Wipe up any drips before they dry. Let the brass dry before touching it.
Wipe the brass off with a soft, dry cloth. Once your brass has regained its natural shine, it should need only regular dustings to keep it looking good for years to come.
Part Three: Cleaning Plated Brass Vs. Solid Brass
Plated brass. Only use hot, soapy water and a cloth. Over-cleaning plated brass will permanently remove the finish.
Solid brass. For slight tarnishes, use a jeweler's cloth and wadding polish. For heavier tarnishes, add two tablespoons each of salt and white vinegar to a pint of hot water. Use a washcloth to rub this into the item's surface and then dry the area well.
Use cotton gloves while doing this. It will protect the brass from fingerprints that will counterbalance the work you are trying to do.
Tips
A lemon half dipped in a plate of table salt will also remove heavy tarnish and leave a clean, but unpolished look to brass.
Brass gets a thing on it called red rot. What causes it is the oil from your hands, so if you have a brass instrument, wipe it down after you play it.
Toothpaste works well to polish brass. Simply apply a pea sized drop onto a cotton cloth (a piece of an old t-shirt works too) and rub in small circles. Rinse with clean water and buff the residue off.
Brass polish is abrasive, so be careful not to rub off delicate engravings or scratch a brass-plated piece.
If you do polish it and the varnish is removed, consider having it re-varnished, especially if there is fine engraving on it.
Brass that is very heavily tarnished can be cleaned with hot vinegar. Acetic acid is in many "Instant" copper and brass cleaners. Bring the vinegar to a boil in a stainless steel pot, then put the item in. Only do this with good ventilation.
Part One: Preparatory Steps
Determine whether the object is really brass. Hold a magnet to the object. If the magnet sticks, the object either contains no brass or is just brass-plated. Do not use any sort of abrasive cleaning techniques on brass-plated pieces, because the plating is quite thin, and you could easily wear through it.
Determine whether to clean your brass. Just because brass has tarnished doesn't necessarily mean it needs to be cleaned. Tarnish may sometimes produce a desirable patina that enhances a piece. Antiques are especially vulnerable, so if you have a valuable piece, consider leaving it uncleaned or having it professionally cleaned.
Part Two: General Cleaning Procedure
Wash the brass with soapy water. If the brass is simply dirty or oily, mix a mild detergent with warm water. Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water, and wipe the piece down with the cloth.
Toothpaste can be used as a mild polish. A mixture of equal parts of water and white vinegar, plus a cup of flour, will also make a mild polish. Use a toothbrush to get to hard to reach places or inside the lines of delicate engravings. Brush gently to avoid damaging the engraving.
Remove lacquer coating. Lay down newspaper to protect your work surface, and use a paintbrush to apply a paint or varnish-removing chemical to the brass. Use these chemicals safely (see Warnings section below).
Polish the brass. Apply brass polish to a cloth, and rub it into the brass. Use a second clean, dry cloth to buff the brass to a dazzling shine.
Reapply lacquer to the brass. Apply lacquer to give the brass a protective coat that will help maintain its shine. Use cotton balls or a paintbrush to apply it. Apply only a thin layer, and make sure to apply it evenly. Wipe up any drips before they dry. Let the brass dry before touching it.
Wipe the brass off with a soft, dry cloth. Once your brass has regained its natural shine, it should need only regular dustings to keep it looking good for years to come.
Part Three: Cleaning Plated Brass Vs. Solid Brass
Plated brass. Only use hot, soapy water and a cloth. Over-cleaning plated brass will permanently remove the finish.
Solid brass. For slight tarnishes, use a jeweler's cloth and wadding polish. For heavier tarnishes, add two tablespoons each of salt and white vinegar to a pint of hot water. Use a washcloth to rub this into the item's surface and then dry the area well.
Use cotton gloves while doing this. It will protect the brass from fingerprints that will counterbalance the work you are trying to do.
Tips
A lemon half dipped in a plate of table salt will also remove heavy tarnish and leave a clean, but unpolished look to brass.
Brass gets a thing on it called red rot. What causes it is the oil from your hands, so if you have a brass instrument, wipe it down after you play it.
Toothpaste works well to polish brass. Simply apply a pea sized drop onto a cotton cloth (a piece of an old t-shirt works too) and rub in small circles. Rinse with clean water and buff the residue off.
Brass polish is abrasive, so be careful not to rub off delicate engravings or scratch a brass-plated piece.
If you do polish it and the varnish is removed, consider having it re-varnished, especially if there is fine engraving on it.
Brass that is very heavily tarnished can be cleaned with hot vinegar. Acetic acid is in many "Instant" copper and brass cleaners. Bring the vinegar to a boil in a stainless steel pot, then put the item in. Only do this with good ventilation.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)