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Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper, sometimes containing other metals. This material has been in use from ancient times to the modern era due to its durability, malleability, and elegant appearance. However, over time, brass can accumulate dust, grease, and lose its shine. To restore its luster, you can employ cleaning methods that require only common household products along with a little attention to detail. Commercial products for polishing brass are also available, depending on how tarnished the object is.
Steps
Preparing to Clean Brass Items
Check if the item you're planning to polish is actually brass. Bring a magnet close to it and see if it sticks.
- If the magnet doesn’t stick, the object is likely brass.
- If the magnet attaches to the object, it’s probably a piece made of iron or steel with a brass coating.
Determine if your brass item really needs polishing. Some brass pieces are not intended to be polished. In fact, polishing them can lower their value. If you're uncertain about how to clean your brass, it's wise to consult with a brass expert to ensure you use the correct method.
- Sometimes the brass patina (the bluish-green oxidation that forms on brass and copper) adds a unique charm to the item, and it’s best to leave it as is.
- Patina plays a significant role in assessing the age, condition, and potential value of a brass item. Removing or altering the patina on an antique could greatly affect its worth.
Check if the item has a lacquer coating. Modern brass items are often coated with a lacquer to prevent oxidation, while antique brass items typically do not have this protective layer. You can identify a lacquered item by looking for a transparent coating on its surface. Lacquered brass will usually appear dull or faded only if the protective layer has cracked.
- Brass items with a lacquer finish are easier to clean—just use soapy water. However, you might want to consider removing the lacquer if the surface beneath it has become cloudy.
- If you're unsure whether your brass item is lacquered, note that lacquered brass often has a more golden tone.
Cleaning solid brass items.
Clean a lacquered brass item. The first step in maintaining a clean brass piece is to regularly dust it with a soft cloth. Afterward, dip a cotton cloth into a mild dish soap and warm water solution. Wring out the cloth so it’s just damp and gently wipe the surface of the brass. Use a damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then dry the item thoroughly.
- If you want to brighten any dullness under the lacquer, you will need to remove the lacquer first.
Remove the lacquer with hot water. Hot water softens the lacquer layer. Place your brass item in a sink and pour hot water over it. The heat causes the brass to expand, and the lacquer will expand with it. However, when the brass cools and contracts, the lacquer does not shrink the same way. This will cause the lacquer to loosen slightly, making it easier to peel off.
- You can also immerse your brass item in boiling water to remove the lacquer, depending on the size of the item. Simply place the brass in a pot of boiling water (avoid using an aluminum pot) and let it sit for a few minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the item, let it cool, and peel off the lacquer.
Use a specialized product to remove the glossy paint layer. Place the brass item on a table covered with a thick layer of newspaper. The newspaper will absorb any drips of paint remover, keeping your workspace clean. Apply the paint remover evenly across the surface using a paintbrush. Let it sit for about 1-2 minutes, then wipe the surface clean with a soft cloth. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product's packaging.
- Exercise caution and adhere to the manufacturer's cleaning guidelines, as the paint remover contains strong chemicals that may be hazardous.
- Protect your skin and wear safety glasses when handling paint remover.
- Since the paint remover releases toxic fumes, work in an outdoor space or a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid open flames, as the paint remover is a flammable chemical.
Polish the brass item. Ensure the item is free from dust before beginning the polishing process. While many commercial brass polishing products are available, you can also use lemon to polish brass naturally. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a small bowl. Add a little table salt or baking soda – both work as abrasives – and mix until a paste forms. You may need about a teaspoon of salt or baking soda, or more if needed. Apply the paste to the brass using a soft cloth.
- Make sure to apply the paste in the direction of the metal's grain. If not, you might scratch the brass's surface.
- Avoid rubbing too hard. The salt or baking soda's abrasive nature will gently remove the tarnish.
- You can use a soft toothbrush to clean detailed areas or hard-to-reach spots.
Consider using a commercial brass cleaner. Many brass cleaning products can effectively remove the glossy paint layer and restore the shine of your item without damaging the surface.
- Some brass cleaning products contain abrasive ingredients, so be careful to avoid damaging delicate engravings on the item.
- Stay away from hydrochloric acid, as it is not suitable for cleaning brass and may leave permanent stains.
- Undiluted vinegar or ammonia can be very effective for cleaning antique brass items. Soak the items in either vinegar or ammonia, as both are natural cleaners that will restore a lasting shine to your brass items.
Consider using other cleaning products. While you can make your own brass cleaner at home or buy commercial products, there are also several natural alternatives you can use:
- Ketchup. Apply a generous amount of ketchup to the brass item using a soft cloth. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe off the ketchup with a damp, soft cloth. Dry the item thoroughly afterward.
- Yogurt. Spread a layer of plain yogurt onto the brass. The lactic acid in yogurt helps break down the tarnish. Let it dry, then rinse the item with water and dry it with a clean cloth.
- White vinegar and salt. Pour white vinegar over the brass item (pour or spray it on), then sprinkle salt on top. Dampen a piece of cloth with vinegar and gently wipe the surface of the brass. Dry the item with a clean cloth.
Protect the brass item from tarnishing. After cleaning your brass item, it's essential to protect it from dulling by applying a layer of clear lacquer. You can use a toothbrush or cotton ball to apply the lacquer. Be sure to read the lacquer's instructions for the manufacturer's recommendations.
- When applying the lacquer, only apply a thin layer. Be cautious of any drips, as they could dry and leave streaks on your item.
- Allow the item to dry fully before handling. Once the lacquer has dried, buff the item with a clean cloth to bring back its shine.
Cleaning Brass-Plated Items
Determine if your item is made of brass or brass-plated. Brass and brass-plated items can be challenging to distinguish. Use a magnet and bring it close to the item to see if it sticks. If the magnet doesn't attract the item, it's likely made of brass. If the magnet sticks, then your 'brass' item is probably made of iron or steel with a brass plating.
- Another method to check is by scraping an inconspicuous area of the item with a sharp knife. If it's brass, the scrape will reveal a bright yellow color.
- If the scraped area shows a different color, like silver, it's definitely a different metal, and you should use a non-abrasive cleaner to avoid damaging the plating.
Cleaning Brass-Plated Items with a Glossy Coating. Clean the entire surface of the brass plating using a mild soap and water solution, either cold or slightly warm. Dip a cloth into the soapy water, wring it out so it's just damp, and gently wipe the surface of the item.
- Never attempt to polish brass-plated items with a glossy finish, as the coating can often cloud the brass's surface.
- Avoid using any cleaner that contains ammonia on items with a glossy brass coating, as ammonia will damage the protective layer.
Cleaning Brass-Plated Items Without a Glossy Coating. Dip a soft cotton cloth into a mild dish soap and warm water mixture, wring it out to leave it slightly damp, and gently wipe the surface of the item clean.
- You may want to use an old toothbrush to clean the intricate designs and grooves on the item.
Wash and Apply a Light Polishing Product. Wash the brass item with water and then dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth.
- Polishing brass-plated items can sometimes wear off a bit of the plating. If you choose to polish a brass-plated item, do so gently.
- It’s helpful to test the polishing product on a hidden area of the brass-plated item before polishing the entire surface.
Advice
- Half a lemon dipped in a plate of salt can also remove the dullness from the surface of brass and clean it, although it won't make it shiny.
Warning
- Excessive cleaning and the use of abrasive materials can damage brass.
- When using paint removers or cleaning solutions to remove dullness, or when applying a glossy finish, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and heed the warnings.
Things You Will Need
- Magnets
- Gentle dishwashing liquid
- Warm or lukewarm water
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
- Rubber gloves
- Paint remover or fading polish remover
- Brass polish
- Paintbrush
- Clear lacquer suitable for brass
- Tomato sauce (optional)
- Yogurt (optional)
- Vinegar
