Brass is an alloy of zinc, copper and sometimes other metals. This metal has been used since the dawn of civilization and, today, people still appreciate it for its qualities of strength, beauty, malleability, resistance to corrosion and extreme temperatures. However, even on brass, as on other metals, dirt, traces of oil can accumulate and over time it can oxidize. If you are looking to brighten a brass object, know that there are several methods to use: they require nothing more than a few products you probably already have at home and some "elbow grease", although, in based on the amount of oxide, you can consider getting some commercial cleaning product.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Brass
Step 1. Verify that the object you want to clean is actually brass
Bring a magnet close to the object to check the reaction.
- If the magnet doesn't stick, it means the piece is brass.
- If, on the other hand, the magnet sticks, the object could actually be steel or iron plated with brass.
Step 2. Evaluate if your brass piece can actually be cleaned
Some metal objects do not have to become shiny, so any cleaning attempt you make can diminish their value. Check with an expert in this metal before attempting to clean a precious item.
- Sometimes the patina (that layer of turquoise color that forms on the surface of the brass and copper) gives a certain "personality" to the object and it is better to leave it where it is.
- Antique dealers and collectors of antique objects rely on this patina to determine the age, condition of the object and establish its value. Some waxes and cleaning products that remove oxidation can sometimes even detract from the value of certain elements.
Step 3. Check if the brass object is enameled
Enamel protects the brass surface from oxidation, but old brass, especially antique brass, is generally not (and shouldn't be) enameled. You can tell if an object is lacquered because it is covered with a transparent layer of paint and oxidation is present only in some places where there are scratches.
- You can clean enameled brass by simply wiping it with a damp cloth, but you can also decide to remove the finish if there is a layer of oxidation underneath it.
- Lacquered brass has a slight yellowish tinge.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Solid Brass
Step 1. Clean the lacquered brass
The most important aspect to consider when cleaning this metal is to regularly wipe off the dust using a clean cloth. If the brass is enamelled and you want to keep it that way, after having dusted it, dip a light cotton cloth in a mixture of mild dish soap and cold or warm water, wring it out so that it remains only damp and gently scrub the surface of the object..
If you want to remove oxidation from a lacquered object, you must first remove the finishing layer
Step 2. Remove the paint layer with boiling water
Gently pour hot water directly onto the brass to loosen the enamel layer a little. When brass heats up it tends to expand and when it cools it shrinks again, while paint does not. At this point you can easily remove the lacquered layer which will come off in pieces.
If its size allows it, you can also decide to boil the brass object to remove the enamel. Dip the item into a non-aluminum pot filled with boiling water and add 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Let it soak for a few minutes, then gently pull it out of the water and remove the paint layer
Step 3. Use a paint stripper
Cover the work surface with several sheets of newspapers and place the brass object on it. Do not skimp on the paper, in order to avoid dirtying the base of the table with any splashes of paint remover. Take a brush and carefully apply the product all over the object. Finally, wipe off the finish layer and paint stripper with a soft cloth. Make sure you follow the directions on the jar of the product.
- Proceed with caution and strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions as some substances are dangerous.
- Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin.
- Vapors from the paint remover are harmful; work outside or in a well-ventilated area.
- Also keep away from fire; the paint stripper is highly flammable.
Step 4. Polish the brass
Make sure the surface is clean, without any traces of dust and residue, before starting to polish it. There are several types of polishing products for this metal, but you can decide to make one yourself at home. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice from one half into a small bowl. Indifferently add a little table salt or baking soda - it doesn't matter which of the two products you decide to use because they have the same abrasive power - until the mixture reaches the consistency of a paste. You may need more teaspoons of salt or baking soda. Use a soft cotton cloth to apply the lemon paste to the item.
- When scrubbing the surface, be sure to follow the grain of the metal.
- Do not scrub too aggressively, as the abrasive solution of salt / bicarbonate is able to eliminate the oxidation in a delicate way.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean the crevices and nicks in the brass piece.
Step 5. Consider polishing the metal with a commercial product
There are many environmentally friendly polishing products, specifically designed to eliminate oxidation from metals and restore the ancient shine, without the need to scratch and damage the surface.
- Some products are abrasive, so clean them very carefully so as not to scratch the precious engravings on the item.
- Do not use substances such as muriatic acid, as they not only leave stains on the surface but produce noxious fumes.
- If the item is antique, soak it for an hour in a pure solution of white vinegar or ammonia. Both of these products are safe and natural, they are able to break down oxidation and restore the brass to its original splendor.
Step 6. Consider alternative cleaners
While you can make a brass cleaner yourself or buy a chemical one at home, you can also consider using natural ingredients that are just as effective:
- Ketchup. Sprinkle some ketchup on a clean cotton cloth and rub it all over the surface of the oxidized object. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, then rub the brass with a damp cloth and finally dry it.
- Yogurt. Use a spatula to coat the metal with the yogurt. Lactic acid is able to break down oxidation. Leave the yogurt on the metal for as long as it takes to dry, then rinse the object and dry it with a soft cloth.
- White vinegar and salt. Pour some vinegar on the object and sprinkle it with a little salt. Dampen a soft cotton cloth with a little vinegar and scrub the entire surface of the brass. Finally dry with a cotton cloth.
Step 7. Protect your item from future oxidation
If you don't take proper precautions, the object will oxidize again in a short time, even with just the moisture in the air. To avoid this, apply a layer of enamel to the surface to form a barrier and protect the metal. Use a brush or cotton swab to apply the product and follow the instructions on the package.
- A thin layer is sufficient and make sure that no drops of paint form on the surface, possibly remove them before they dry.
- Wait for the polish to dry before touching the metal. Once it is completely dry, rub the brass with a clean cloth to make it shiny.
Part 3 of 3: Cleaning the Plated Objects
Step 1. Find out if your item is plated or solid brass
Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference. Bring a magnet close to the piece and see if it is attracted to it. If the magnet doesn't stick, the object is probably all brass. Otherwise, the piece could be steel or iron coated with a layer of brass.
- Alternatively, you can check the brass type with a sharp kitchen knife by scratching a small hidden corner of the object. If it is actually solid brass, the scratched area remains a bright yellow.
- If, on the other hand, another color emerges, it means that there is a different metal core, so you need to find cleaning solutions that are not abrasive so as not to remove the plating.
Step 2. Clean your plated and lacquered item
Clean the entire surface with a mixture of mild soap and cold or warm water. Dip a cloth in the soapy solution, squeeze it to remove excess water and rub it gently over the entire surface.
- Never try to polish lacquered brass, as the polish can make the surface dull.
- Do not use ammonia-based products because they damage the surface protective layer of the object.
Step 3. Clean your plated but not lacquered item
Dip a clean cotton cloth in a solution of mild dish soap and lukewarm water, wring it out so that it is only slightly damp, and gently scrub the surface of the piece.
- Wear plastic gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints on the brass surface.
- Do not use any type of brass polish on an object that is only plated, as it may permanently remove the thin surface layer.
Step 4. Rinse and apply a mild commercial polish
Rinse the item with water and dry it thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth. Use a commercial polish specifically for brass-plated items to remove the last stubborn traces of oxidation.
- Do not polish the plated object with friction alone or with aggressive tools, as this may remove the top layer of plating.
- Always test commercial polish in a small hidden corner of the object before applying it over the entire surface; you have to make sure that it does not remove the surface layer of brass.
Advice
- You can also use half a lemon dipped in a dish of salt to remove stubborn oxidation and clean the item, although this technique does not give it a shiny look.
- Brass, at times, can form a red oxidation patina caused by the sebum present on the hands; so if you're using a brass musical instrument, be sure to clean it when you're done playing.
Warnings
- If you over-clean brass using abrasive products, you can damage it.
- When using paint, paint stripper or if you need to lacquer brass, always follow the instructions on the product packaging and pay attention to any warnings. These products are typically flammable, so you need to keep them away from flames. You should also wear rubber gloves to protect your skin and work in a well-ventilated area.
