Brass

[Stede]

Does anyone know of a good product for cleaning brass? I've been using a product called "ABC Corrosion Buster." It's a paste that works very well, but I've been having a little trouble finding it lately.

[GordMay]

BARTENDERS' FRIEND comes in several formulations, for different metals. It's cheap & availble at grocery stores.
Gord

[Stede]

Thanks Gord, I'll give it a try. Of course the really hard part is to do the work,rather than go sailing.

[GordMay]

BRASS CLEANING:
Be careful when cleaning “laquered” brass - most commercial preparations have some ‘grit’ to them, and will scratch the coating.
Another trick for brass:
Mix a paste of Salt + Vinengar + Water.
Never tried, but have heard that Worcestershire Sauce works on Brass.
Regards,

[Stede]

Thanks for the tips Gord. I hope to try and get the job done this weekend if it doesn't rain me out. I have all brass portals on my boat.They look great when cleaned,but do involve some work keeping them that way. Everything is a trade-off I guess.

[GordMay]

Hopefully, your brass ports are actually Bronze.
Sometimes the following work on Bronze:
Lemmon Juice + Salt + Flour
or
Baking Soda + Vinegar (Rinse well after)
and always:
Elbo Grease!

OOPS, just about forgot:
After cleaning, I like to put a little "Zip" wax on port lights. Helps protect the sparkle. (Zip is the cheap car wax, you just add to wash water - any wax will do, but this is quick & easy)

Lotsa luck, I'm certain they'l sparkle when done!
Gord

[Stede]

Hi Gord,

Yes, you're correct.My boats portals are actually bronze. I guess I just had brass on the brain.Thanks again!