Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, is used for creating a large number of decorative pieces, mainly owing to its bright gold-like appearance. Apart from that, it is also used in plumbing and electrical applications, musical instruments and even in applications that require low friction, like locks, gears, bearings, ammunition and valves. Though brass objects are exceptionally good, they start losing their gold-like appearance after sometime. The good part is that you can restore the original appearance of brass object, easily and conveniently. Check out some simple tips for cleaning brass.
Items Needed
- Newspaper
- Mild Detergent
- Water
- Soft Rags/ Sponge
- Paint/Varnish Remover
- Brass Polish
- Clear Lacquer
- Rubber Gloves
Instructions
- Cleaning brass is going to create a lot of mess. So, it is better to spread some newspaper on the work surface.
- In case your brass object is not too dirty, you can clean it with the help of a simple soap solution.
- Take a mug of water and add a few drops of detergent to it.
- Take a soft rag or sponge and dampen it with the soap solution.
- Now, wipe down the brass object with the rag/sponge.
- In case your brass object has been affected with lacquer coating, use a paint or varnish remover for the same.
- Take a sponge and put a few drops of paint/ varnish remover on it.
- Now, wipe down the brass object with the rag/sponge.
- After your brass object is clean, it is the time to polish it.
- Buy brass polish from the market and apply it on the object, with the help of clean, soft cloth.
- Make sure to apply the polish in the direction of the brass grain.
- Now, buff the object with a clean, soft rag. Continue to do so till the time the object starts shining.
- In order to prevent exposure of brass to air and oxidation, re-lacquer it.
- Take a lacquer spray and spray several thin coats on the object.
- Leave the object for some time, so that the lacquer spray dries off completely.
