Brass is an alloy of the metals zinc and copper. Its has a goldish color originally which slowly tarnishes with age. Tarnishing is because of the oxidation of brass due to the exposure to air. So brass requires to be cleaned off the tarnish and should be polished once in a while to make it look as good as new. Brass can be cleaned easily if you follow the steps given below in order.
- Place some news papers on the work surface. Cleaning brass can be really messy.
- Find out why the brass looks dirty. If the brass is not tarnished, it can be cleaned easily with normal household soap.
- The surface oils present on the brass can be cleaned by a sponge dipped in a mild solution of detergent and water. Stop with this step if the luster is restored.
- If the luster is not restored, remove the lacquer coating using paint or varnish remover. Lacquer coating is made over the brass to prevent oxidation, but to remove tarnish the coating has to be removed.
- Gently apply a small amount of brass polish along the direction of the brass grain using a soft cloth.
- Now the polish is applied, buff the brass till it shines. To buff use a soft rag.
- Re-lacquer the brass to prevent oxidation of brass in the future. Spray lacquer on brass in several thin coats.
- Let the lacquer dry completely.
That’s it, Your brass is as good as brand new.
