Brass cleaning and care...

[cledford]

As a result of a really cool thread on AO about shining brass I've decided to resurrect my '99 cocker and restore it to former glory. (Serves to stop the parts from rattling around in the tool box also) When I purchased it (like many people) I brassoed the pneumatics and they looked great. Over the years tarnish has set in and they need a touch up. What I've also noticed is that in some places (like threads) not all of the brasso got cleaned off - and caused accelerated corrosion over the past 4 years.

Anyone got a suggestion for shining brass that maximizes the length of the look and minimizes the long term corrosion potential?

Thanks,

-Calvin

[argnot]

Use Brasso to clean it off like you did before cept make sure that you get it all off. Then you can seal it with crystal clear or some sort of clear sealent. Then you will be set for years of shine. If you wanna stear clear of the brasso option all together use buffing compound and a wheel to shine it up or fine steal wool works well but isn't nearly as brilliant.

[cledford]

What is this "crystal clear" stuff?

-Calvin

[steveg]

cledford the most important thing of all, is after the
brasso is to wash the parts and rinse several times
with hot water and dishsoap. brasso contains acid,
that acid it's self will cause the new tarnishing,

then coat it with crystal clear (don't know what it is either )

[argnot]

Crystal Clear is an acrlyic based sealent. It is made by Krylon. Go to your local art store and you can pick it up. They should know what you are talking about. Its about $5 a can. Or go to Auto Zone or what ever and get some clear coat.