Cleaning and Stain Removal - Cleaning Brass
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quantel62
05-29-06, 08:52 AM
Anyone have any suggestions on how I can clean a very old brass name/address holder? This holder has been outside for about 30 yrs and has a lot of detail (there's a cross on it, & leaves & vines). I tried Brasso, but it's really not doing that great of a job.
Any suggestions on how I can get the buildup of grim off and get it back to it's original condition? It is very pretty, but would be awesome if it were cleaned up.
Anything would be greatly appreciated. :o
Any suggestions on how I can get the buildup of grim off and get it back to it's original condition? It is very pretty, but would be awesome if it were cleaned up.
Anything would be greatly appreciated. :o
majakdragon
05-29-06, 09:17 AM
quantel62, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
Couple of home remedies.First check with a magnet to see if it is solid brass or coating. Magnet will stick to a coated metal. If it is coated, you will get undesirable results with the following. If it is removable, bring 1 part water and 1 part vinegar to a boil. The soak the object for a couple minutes. You can also soak it in cider vinegar for a couple hours and then wash with a mild dish soap and a soft nail brush. If it is not removable, try coating with ketsup. Let it sit and then wipe off and clean with mild soap solution. Good luck.
Couple of home remedies.First check with a magnet to see if it is solid brass or coating. Magnet will stick to a coated metal. If it is coated, you will get undesirable results with the following. If it is removable, bring 1 part water and 1 part vinegar to a boil. The soak the object for a couple minutes. You can also soak it in cider vinegar for a couple hours and then wash with a mild dish soap and a soft nail brush. If it is not removable, try coating with ketsup. Let it sit and then wipe off and clean with mild soap solution. Good luck.
slickshift
05-29-06, 10:38 PM
If it is solid, Simichrome paste might work
However, with a piece that bad I would not follow the directions
I would paste up the piece with a layer of Simichrome and let it sit
Not long enough to dry, but as long as possible w/o it drying
Then run/wipe it off with a (lot of) cotton towel(s)
They'll get black quick so you'll want a few
You basically rub it into the brass then wipe it off
Also, a toothbrush will help with the detail and crevices
If that has an effect, I'd repeat the process until it no longer improves
*this can only be done with solid brass
However, with a piece that bad I would not follow the directions
I would paste up the piece with a layer of Simichrome and let it sit
Not long enough to dry, but as long as possible w/o it drying
Then run/wipe it off with a (lot of) cotton towel(s)
They'll get black quick so you'll want a few
You basically rub it into the brass then wipe it off
Also, a toothbrush will help with the detail and crevices
If that has an effect, I'd repeat the process until it no longer improves
*this can only be done with solid brass
twelvepole
05-31-06, 07:49 AM
You can find brass cleaning info on this website at http://www.doityourself.com/stry/brass