Keeping brass from tarnishing

[landonshaw]

What is the best way to keep brass from tarnishing?

I first cover the brass (solid brass) in a solution of vinegar, salt, and flour. Let it set for 20 minutes. Found this on the internet. I do this twice. It works great. Complete buffing and cleaning with water after each application.

Next I use star clean and let it set for 10 minutes then buff off. Then another star clean application with more buffing. Constantly using different sections of the rag due to the black residue collected.

Finally one coat of collinite no. 845 insulation wax.

After a week it starts to tarnish again.

How do you minimize the tarnishing without using a lacquer. I don’t want to think of tanking lacquer off at a future date.

Aloisius, Dave

[robwilk37]

sorry man, but lacquer is the only way ive found to keep it bright. when the time comes, acetone will remove it and you can start over. i love the warm look of gleaming brass, especially by candlelight, but you gotta earn it every couple of years...

[landonshaw]

How long does it last?
How hard to remove the lacquer to start the process again?

[robwilk37]

depends on the piece and the amount of wear-n-tear it gets. my bell still gleams after 3+ years. acetone(or any other strong solvent) takes it right off.

[landonshaw]

If the lacquer last 3+ years and the removal is not that bad. It seems like the way to go rather than twice a year doing a major polishing project.

[landonshaw]

Any recommendations on a good lacquer?

[robwilk37]

Originally Posted by landonshaw

Any recommendations on a good lacquer?

i use deft, not the most durable but the rattle cans have the best spray tips of any manufacturer.

[moseriw]

look for ZAPON !!!

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by landonshaw

What is the best way to keep brass from tarnishing?

I first cover the brass (solid brass) in a solution of vinegar, salt, and flour. Let it set for 20 minutes. Found this on the internet. I do this twice. It works great. Complete buffing and cleaning with water after each application.

Next I use star clean and let it set for 10 minutes then buff off. Then another star clean application with more buffing. Constantly using different sections of the rag due to the black residue collected.

Finally one coat of collinite no. 845 insulation wax.

After a week it starts to tarnish again.

How do you minimize the tarnishing without using a lacquer. I don’t want to think of tanking lacquer off at a future date.

Aloisius, Dave

Some of the old Vista wax might serve you well if they still make it. The newer chemical blue crap wouldn't.

[MattsmithVa]

In the Navy we used the constant, endless, relentless hand-polishing system.

[PEACEMAKER 455]

I own a metal polishing and electroplating company CRC solvent free silicone applied after polishing and a wipe every time you see dust or filming on it seems best you can do or if you own a super yacht I can coat in gold for you last boat we did had rubbish bins done too

[KidSheeleen]

In the US Army, we used Brasso, to clean brass and silver pieces on our dress uniform, then I sprayed with light coating of automobile clear coat from spray cans. Worked well, and removed as needed with acetone's.

[pitlaw]

I recently renewed a cabin light utilizing the salt, vinegar, flour formula as you describe. It works well. Then I finished it to a shine with a product called Never Dull, a cotton type material with a polish compound embedded in it. . It is much cleaner than a liquid . Finally I researched and found a lacquer called Permalac which is specifically for metals and containing UV inhibitors. I have no history yet but it is an impressive specification for marine lacquer. It was not that hard to do and I have 5 more that I intend to treat in the same way. the same.

[Locquatious]

Try using PropPurr It's a polish that chemically bonds a silicone coating to brass. The color will be brass but it will have more of a satin finish rather than lacquer shiny.

Just sand the surface as smooth as possible. Use acetone or alcohol wetted paper towels to remove any oils and residue. Then apply PropPurr™ by wiping on the surface. In warm temperatures it dries in an hour.

https://www.seabournesolutions.com/P...ppurr-20ml.htm

The tuba horn at the base of the chimney was treated with PropPurr. After three years the brass color is there for the most part, except where leaves have fallen and rested on the surface while wet. In those areas the color is darker.

[Cpt Pat]

I've gotten very good results from Permalac: https://jaxchemical.com/shop/permala...lacquer-satin/


They use it on outdoor bronze statuary (exposed to pigeons), and it lasts quite a while even when directly exposed to salt water. I coated my bronze tiller head 3 years ago, and there's no sign of patina or dulling.