Brass cleaning

[tillybobs]

Hi All.

I have a few bits of brass around the boat cleats, fuel and water covers ect. I was wondering if there is anything to soak them in as I have tried polishing them for ages and only managed to get the edge to come off clean as you can see in the pictures. Are they too far gone to restore to original condition?


Thanks Tilly

[Fr0zen]

Hi
Don’t know what you been using for Buffing/Polishing your parts.
You will need a felt disc and some wax… and some patience.

Look here Buffing/Polishing - Caswell Inc
Protect your eyes and fingers.

[sy_gilana]

Those could be Bronze.

[tillybobs]

Would it make a difference to the cleaning if they were Bronze? I have been using autosol and a rag.

[Fr0zen]

Nothing, but if too much patina on them you might start with some (light) abrasive.
Try the felt disc, makes wonders.

[Astrid]

Try this site:

How To Polish Bronze | YachtPals.com

[tillybobs]

Is there anything I could soak it in so it will get in the letters in the fuel/water as I can't get at those bits.

[rtbates]

Sure they aren't bronze??

[saxoldies]

If they are brass, try a lime-remover like CLR, or if you can find sulfamic acid, it works realy good. That's what we used at the shop I was working to remove lime from brass musical instruments. Soaking them in vinegar for a few hours could also work. Just don't forget to wash them with dish soap afterwards to neutralize the acid.

[tillybobs]

Thanks yes I think they are bronze due to the kind of patina.

[Beersmith]

A great solution I've found to get all of the green off is to mix white vinegar, coarse salt and flour into a paste. Rub the paste all over the part and let it sit for a few hours. Scrub it down after it sits and the green will dissolve right off.

or if the items aren't installed on anything, just soak them in white vinegar.