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IrishAyes

(6,151 posts)
Sat Feb 22, 2014, 09:41 PM Feb 2014

Got a tip about restoring corroded brass.

Haven't tried it yet myself, but a friend told me to polish it with Tobasco sauce. Since the item's ruined anyway, far beyond the reach of Brasso, it won't hurt to try Tobasco Sauce when I get time. Will let you know how it turns out for me before suggesting others follow, however.

While I'm at it, allow me to invite any other suggestions anyone might have for rescuing ruined brass.

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Got a tip about restoring corroded brass. (Original Post) IrishAyes Feb 2014 OP
I used to professionally restore antique metalware; brass, silver, copper, pewter, gold, chrome Fumesucker Feb 2014 #1
Oh, wow! That's impressive. IrishAyes Feb 2014 #2

Fumesucker

(45,851 posts)
1. I used to professionally restore antique metalware; brass, silver, copper, pewter, gold, chrome
Sat Feb 22, 2014, 10:12 PM
Feb 2014

Nevr Dull is your best bet for cleaning and polishing most non ferrous metals at home and it works quite well on brass.

http://www.amazon.com/Basch-Never-Dull-Metal-Polish/dp/B0014IGAWO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1393120087&sr=8-5&keywords=nevr-dull

We used a machine like this for metal polishing but that's well beyond what a novice would be safe doing, you can lose a finger or destroy your piece before you can blink if you screw up. If the Nevr Dull doesn't do the job and the piece is something of value to you then have it professionally polished with a machine. That *will* smooth the surface and make it mirror-like (assuming the piece isn't already so thin there is very little left).



If you have a bench grinder you can buy small versions of the cloth wheels above and some Tripoli and Rouge (rough and fine polishing compounds respectively).

Here is a primer on mechanical metal polishing.

http://www.caswellplating.com/buffman.htm

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