SteveCrow Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 I've just received some brass H and I section from 2mm x 1mm down to 1/32 square. It is rather tarnished and as I don't intend to paint it, I'd like to bring it to a good finish. Has anybody any suggestions on how I might achieve this? Particularly getting into the web of the beam of the 1/32 stuff? Cheers Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caley Jim Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 I've just received some brass H and I section from 2mm x 1mm down to 1/32 square. It is rather tarnished and as I don't intend to paint it, I'd like to bring it to a good finish. Has anybody any suggestions on how I might achieve this? Particularly getting into the web of the beam of the 1/32 stuff? Cheers Steve Try spraying it with Cif and brushing it well into the web with a small, stiff brush then give it a good wash. That's what I do with N/S kits etc. and it brings then up shining bright with no rubbing. Alternatively there's Brasso rubbed on with a stiff brush or a paper towel. I haven't tried it on brass strip, but it works a treat on a brass fire surround! Needs a bit more elbow grease, though. Jim Jim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
boeing7572t6 Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Hi Steve I always clean brass with a sink cleaning product called Viakal. It takes dirt and tarnish off leaving a lovely bright finish. No nasty residue either. For a Matt finish for painting use Bar Keepers Friend another excellent product. Best wishes Bob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
2mm Andy Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 I bought a bottle of Rustin's brass restorer from a local hardware shop and it seems to be quite effective. You can dip small items into it or paint it on. I'd recommend rinsing well afterwards though. Out of interest where did you get the brass sections from? They sound useful. Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveCrow Posted February 3, 2017 Author Share Posted February 3, 2017 I bought a bottle of Rustin's brass restorer from a local hardware shop and it seems to be quite effective. You can dip small items into it or paint it on. I'd recommend rinsing well afterwards though. Out of interest where did you get the brass sections from? They sound useful. Andy The sections were from Eileen's Emporium. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveCrow Posted February 3, 2017 Author Share Posted February 3, 2017 I'll try the various products suggested but I'm really looking beyond just removing tarnish and polishing the surface. No real problem with the bigger sections and and the outer faces but its getting into the web with the small section. Can any one think of something that's finely abrasive but small enough to get in there? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caley Jim Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 I'll try the various products suggested but I'm really looking beyond just removing tarnish and polishing the surface. No real problem with the bigger sections and and the outer faces but its getting into the web with the small section. Can any one think of something that's finely abrasive but small enough to get in there? Try rubbing it with a cotton bud with some toothpaste on it. Toothpaste is very mildly abrasive and makes a brilliant job of cleaning the film that forms on shower bases etc (scrub with a nylon scrubbing brush). No connection with toothpaste manufacturers now. Only get free samples when we go to the dentist, since I retired! Jim W Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham R Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 ... No connection with toothpaste manufacturers now ... Dammit ... that explains all these Signals you've been showing off recently. I knew there had to be an explanation ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
decauville1126 Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 I use this in an ultrasonic cleaner: http://www.priorypolishes.co.uk/shop/front/metal-clock-cleaning-materials/no-1-brass/clock-cleaning-concentrate.html Sometimes leave stuff in to soak overnight or even a few days. But it does seem to eat solder, or at least either the lead or tin, with prolonged cycles. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatB Posted February 3, 2017 Share Posted February 3, 2017 Vinegar bath? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orange Cat Posted February 6, 2017 Share Posted February 6, 2017 Very fine steel wool and/or glass fibre scratch brush. Don't know if it's the best option but it is what I use for cleaning up pretty much everything metal and model related. Works for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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