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Thread: Cleaning brass

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
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    templestowe
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    Default Cleaning brass

    Hi all,could anyone give me some tips on what sort of bathing solution/mixture I should use to drop brass fittings in and let soak for ease of cleaning.
    -cheers-

  2. #2
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    Feb 2012
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    kellerberrin WA
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    Default

    Hi Captn, i do a lot of old furniture striping using a caustic soda
    solution , usually brass fittings go in with the furniture. It does a good job of cleaning brass very well . Depending on how bad the tarnishing etc is determines the time in solution, its trial and error , just keep checking. I use a mixture of 500 grams to 5 litres of water. Just be aware to wash down the brass with water first when with vinegar afterwards to neutralize the solution and be sure to wear rubber gloves, this stuff will burn . Hope this is of some help, John

  3. #3
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    Feb 2012
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    templestowe
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    Thanks John,
    had a feeling it'd be something potent or corrosive.I know how lethal caustic can be if ones not careful.I'll give it go.Much appreciated.
    capt'n

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Victoria, Australia
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    74
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    5,080

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    Hi Capt'ngrumpy,

    I've used this stuff with good results, Metal Cleaner - Surface Prep

    A while back my son was playing with different patina effects on brass and bronze, and we got some of this stuff, to clean the brass before appyling different patina's you dip or brush on and after a few minutes it comes out shiny and clean.

    Sorry, I've no idea what's in it, but it works a treat for cleaning brass and bronze.

    Regards
    Ray

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Melbourne
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    54
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    Default

    I always found soaking in just plain vinegar for a day or so works well.
    If you want to speed things up a bit just add a couple of table spoons of salt but be a bit careful because this can cause dezinc with some types of older yellow brass.
    Rinse with water when done them polish
    Cheers,
    Greg.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    templestowe
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    Default

    Thanks Ray, something worth considering.And thankyou Greg,i've heard of something like this before.My oldmans' good mate was restoring his pride and joy HJ Holden(which his had from new)and spent mega bucks on.Dropped the bumper bar in some kind of salt bath;reckons it took it right back to bare metal
    ready for buffing and rechroming. Did it with several metal parts from my vague recollection.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
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    templestowe
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    Default

    Sorry folks I muffed that last post just a little.I should say FJ holden not HJ.
    Minor hickup unless your a car buff, or my oldmans' mate who would be most offended(hj indeed I hear him seethe)

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