How To Polish Brass

For decades, brass has been a popular metal for architectural features, musical instruments, and decorative goods due to its warm golden color. Brass, though, needs some upkeep to maintain its wonderful looks.

But brass maintenance and polishing are more than just aesthetics. Whether it's a treasured family heirloom or a more recent acquisition from a flea market, regular upkeep assures the item's lifespan. Besides, turning a tarnished piece into a brilliant display is an inherently pleasurable process. This guide from Benchmark Abrasives offers advice on how to maintain the best possible condition for your brass goods.

INSPECTION: IS YOUR ITEM ACTUALLY BRASS?

Before beginning the polishing procedure, confirm that the item is made of real brass. This is a crucial stage because different materials require different care and polishing methods.

All brass is used to make solid brass objects. They may be polished without much fear of wearing down the surface, are more resale value, and are durable. On the other hand, objects that are brass-plated are composed of various base metals, such as steel or zinc, and are thinly coated in brass. Over time, especially with repeated polishing or abrasive cleansers, the brass coating may wear off. Extra caution is required to guarantee that the plating doesn't break.

These tests can verify whether the item is legitimate.

• THE MAGNET TEST

Apply a magnet to the object you are working with. Since genuine solid brass is not magnetic, your object may be brass-plated or composed entirely of a different metal if the magnet attaches to it.

• EXAMINE FOR STAMPS OR MARKINGS.

The maker often leaves a stamp or other indication identifying the metal type. Take a close look at your item to look for any writing or symbols. The term "EPNS" designates items that are electroplated nickel silver rather than solid brass.

• EXAMINE THE COLOR.

Authentic brass typically has a dazzling, golden appearance. Its patina may darken with time due to tarnishing, yet the underlying colors still include hints of gold. When the plating of brass-plated objects wears off, the base metal—such as silver or copper—may become visible in certain locations.

• WEIGHT

Real brass is very heavy. If your object has a noticeable weight, it may be constructed of solid brass. Items with brass plating are typically lighter, particularly if they have tin or aluminum bases.

TOOLS NEEDED FOR POLISHING BRASS

Assemble the necessary equipment first. Among them are:

• SOFT CLOTHS: Cotton rags or microfiber cloths work best. They are great for buffing and polishing, and they won't scratch the surface. 
• BRUSHES: A soft-bristled brush, similar to a toothbrush, will assist you in reaching nooks and crannies on complicated brass goods with detailed engravings or patterns. 
• WET SANDING ABRASIVES: Depending on your preferences and the size of your workpiece, wet sanding abrasives can be either sheets or discs. 
• POLISHING COMPOUNDS: Gather ingredients for homemade solutions or commercial brass polishes, depending on your preference. (In later parts, we'll go over specific Polish selections.) 
• RUBBER GLOVES: Gloves shield your hands from chemicals and help prevent fingerprints from being left on newly polished brass, especially when using commercial polishes. 
• SAFETY GOGGLES: It's a good idea to shield your eyes when utilizing sprays or in situations where there's a chance of splashing. 
• GENTLE DISH SOAP: For a light washing that comes before polishing. 
• BOWL OR BASIN: To contain soapy water in case a first cleaning is required.

If you're handling chemicals, especially those found in commercial brass cleaners, make sure you're in an area with enough ventilation. This will help prevent the inhalation of potentially hazardous vapors. To shield your work surface from any unintentional drips or spills, you could also place plastic sheets or newspapers down.

BEFORE POLISHING, CLEAN THE BRASS

Brass items—especially those touched or exposed to the elements—tend to tarnish and get dirty over time. Thorough washing ensures an interference-free polishing process on the brass surface.

• TAKING OUT GRIME AND DIRT

Pour some warm water into a bowl or basin and mix in a few drops of dish soap. Your brass object should be gently cleaned by dipping a delicate cloth into the soapy solution. When cleaning objects with delicate details or nooks, use a toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush. To provide a smooth surface for polishing, the mild detergent aids in dissolving the oils and debris that have formed on the brass.

• GETTING RID OF TARNISH

In a basin, mix equal parts white vinegar and salt to make a paste. Salt works as a light abrasive to remove tarnish without harming the brass, while vinegar functions as a mild acid to aid in tarnish breakdown.

Apply the mixture to the brass item's tarnished regions with a soft cloth and gently massage in a circular motion. If the tarnish is really resistant, you can let the mixture sit on the brass for a few minutes. Use warm water to rinse.

• MAKING SURE THE BRASS IS DRY

Any remaining moisture may cause patches or accelerate tarnishing. Ensure the brass is totally dry before polishing. The brass item can be allowed to dry naturally by being laid on a soft towel in a well-ventilated place, or it can be gently buffed until it is totally dry using a soft, lint-free cloth after you have patted off any excess water.

• BRASS SANDING

Before you can begin polishing the brass, you must first strip and sand it. Take a close look at the brass's state. The type of sandpaper you should use will depend on how much wear or damage there is. If the brass has substantial flaws or has seen better days, begin at a lower grit (around 320 grit). On the other hand, you can start with a higher grit (around 800 grit) if your brass is in generally good condition with only a few minor flaws.

• THE PROCESS OF SANDING

Wet sanding is highly recommended when working with brass. It accomplishes two goals: it reduces the amount of sanding residue that spreads and produces an exceptionally smooth surface. Wet sanding is crucial if you want to obtain a mirror-like polish. As you work, gently but steadily press down on the wet sandpaper to avoid unintentionally scratching or denting the metal.

Depending on the state of the brass, start with a grit progression at about 320 or 800 and work your way up to about 1500. For little brass things, hand sanding may work well, but using power tools, such as a disc sander, to sand bigger parts would be faster.

SELECTING APPROPRIATE POLISH

The correct polish leaves a protective layer on the metal, preserving its natural luster while also enhancing it. This is a summary of your options.

A. COMMERCIAL BRASS POLISHES

• GREEN ROUGE POLISHING AGENT: When trying to achieve a high luster on metals, especially stainless steel and aluminum, green rouge is a great option. It provides enough cuts to remove minor imperfections and scratches while illuminating both soft and hard metals. Compared to white rouge, green rouge typically produces a more radiant finish.

• WHITE ROUGE BUFFING COMPOUND: White rouge is a highly prized buffing compound that produces an outstanding shine on strong metals and a mild cutting effect on softer ones. Use it with yellow buffing/polishing belts to get the desired finish on a range of metals, including steel, iron, nickel, brass, copper, chrome, aluminum, and more.

B. HANDMADE POLISH REMEDIES

• LEMON AND BAKING SODA: To make a paste, combine equal parts lemon juice and baking soda. After gently massaging the area with a gentle cloth, rinse and pat dry. The combination of baking soda's mild abrasive properties and lemon juice's acidity successfully removes tarnish.
• WHITE VINEGAR, FLOUR, AND SALT: Mix equal amounts of white vinegar, flour, and salt to make a paste. Apply it to the brass, allow it to stand for approximately one hour, and then dry and rinse with warm water. The mild acidity of vinegar, the mild abrasiveness of salt, and the binding qualities of wheat clean and tarnished brass.
• TOMATO & KETCHUP: Using a soft cloth, evenly spread a thin layer of ketchup over the brass sections that have eroded. Give it ten to thirty minutes to sit. Use a soft cloth or brush with soft bristles to scrub gently, then rinse well and pat dry. The metal gets shiny again because the ketchup's inherent acidity removes tarnish.

THOUGHTS ABOUT ANTIQUE OR DELICATE ITEMS

If you're not sure how old or delicate an object is, always start with the gentlest cleaning and polishing techniques, like soapy water or lemon juice without baking soda. Certain antiques may have a thin layer of brass or a delicate patina that has grown over time; using abrasive products or powerful chemicals can damage these. In these circumstances, you may wish to avoid using abrasive cleansers.

THE PROCESS OF POLISHING BRASS (WITH COMMERCIAL POLISH)

Brass can achieve excellent results from polishing compounds, particularly specialized ones like white or green rouge buffing compounds. To use these substances to achieve the desired shine, follow the methods listed below.

STEP 1: BE PREPARED
Put on gloves and safety goggles. It's always advisable to shield your eyes when polishing because it may cause tiny particles to be spread. Additionally, the gloves will stop skin oils from adhering to the brass.

STEP 2: SELECT YOUR EQUIPMENT
If polishing by hand, you'll need microfiber rags or soft, lint-free cloths. A bench grinder or rotary tool equipped with a buffing wheel works well for larger items or a more polished appearance. Make sure the wheel is clean and devoid of any leftover compound residue.

STEP 3: USE THE COMPOUND
When polishing by hand, generously rub the compound into the cloth and then use circular motions to apply it to the brass. Apply the compound to the buffing wheel with a power tool, making sure to cover the entire surface evenly. Press the brass carefully against the rotating wheel after turning on the tool.

STEP 4: CLEAN THE BRASS SURFACE
When polishing, apply pressure that is even and constant. This guarantees a uniform sheen. Applying circular motions guarantees more complete coverage and less streaking.

Examine the brass item following the initial pass. Should certain regions remain dull or flawed, you could want to apply the compound again.

STEP 5: FINAL DETAILS
After achieving the required sheen, remove any remaining compound with a clean towel. You can protect your brass object and help postpone tarnishing by using a commercial protective spray or a light application of mineral oil.

STORING AND PROTECTING THE SHINE

After polishing your brass with time and work, maintaining the brilliant shine is an essential step. Here's how to maintain the finest possible appearance for your brass objects.

Brass can be successfully sealed with a clear coat of lacquer, which creates a barrier against air, moisture, and fingerprints. Lacquers are appropriate for larger goods or those that will only be handled occasionally. They are available in spray or brush-on forms.

Before applying, make sure the brass is very clean and free of any polishing residue. For optimal effects, use in an area with good ventilation and according to the manufacturer's directions.

Tarnishing agents can be resisted by waxes, particularly those made especially for metals. They are a great option for things that are handled a lot because it is simple to reapply the wax as necessary.

Using a soft cloth, apply a thin coat of wax, allow it to dry (according to the directions on the product), and then buff it to a high sheen. This gives the brass a second coat of luster in addition to sealing it.

CARE AND STORAGE OF BRASS ITEMS TO AVOID TARNISHING

Humidity accelerates brass's tarnishing. Keep your brass objects somewhere dry and cool. Consider wrapping non-perishable products in gentle linens or acid-free tissue paper. This shields them against abrasions, dampness, and dust. Make sure cutlery and other things are kept together and don't come into direct contact with one another. This lessens the possibility of tarnish and scratches.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS:

• Dust your brass objects regularly with a gentle cloth. By doing this, dirt accumulation that can hasten tarnishing is avoided. 
• Do not use abrasive cleansers on brass that has been treated with wax or lacquer. Rather, give it a quick clean with a damp towel and dry it right away. 
• Wax coats may come off with time, especially on goods that are handled a lot. When you see the brass beginning to tarnish or lose its sheen, reapply. 
• To lessen the transfer of oils and acids from your skin, try wearing gloves or washing your hands before touching brass, especially polished and open goods.

COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID

When done incorrectly, polishing brass can be dangerous, just like many other restoration and maintenance jobs. Here are a few typical errors and tips for avoiding them.

• OVER-POLISHING: If an item is old or has elaborate engravings, excessive polishing might eventually erode the metal. Polish brass only after it has a noticeable tarnish. To keep the sheen, concentrate on routine cleaning and preservation techniques rather than frequent polishing.

• USING STRONG MATERIALS: Strong chemicals or abrasive pads can scratch brass, making it dull and possibly irreparably ruined. When polishing, always use soft cloths (such as microfiber or lint-free rags) and a product made specifically for brass. When in doubt, always test a product or technique on a discrete region before using it throughout the work.
  

Avoiding errors is just as important to polishing brass as using the proper tools and methods. By being aware of these typical problems and taking precautions, you can make sure that your brass objects last for many years.

CONCLUSION

Your brass fixtures and objects can continue to shine flawlessly for many years to come with the right maintenance. Brass maintenance requires the use of abrasives as well as polishing and buffing compounds.