Letter 14010

Removing lacquer

How do I remove lacquer with household things, Brasso [link is to product info at Amazon] isn't working. I need it for my brass for AJROTC because there is an Annual Formal Inspection. I need help.

John Jennings
- Apo Ap, Japan

I'd try Acetone [link is to product info at Rockler] remover first. Lacquer is paint without pigment, so if that doesn't work, try paint remover, available in a hardware store. Read the directions to make sure it's safe for brass. You might also try talking to a lacquer specialist like G.J. Nikolas.

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, New Jersey

I agree with the acetone answer after doing a bit of research of my own. I'm using regular acetone from any hardware store. My question is: how do I know the lacquer is gone? It looks the same to me as it did before. Do I wait and see if the natural patina returns to the hardware? Thank you!

Anne Brostrup
- Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina

Try using old newspaper with the brasso. the newspaper is rougher and so it cleans faster. I am in JROTC at my school and have to constantly shine new brass. I use newspaper and can see difference in as little as 5 minutes

Anthony E.
- Ft Lewis, Washington

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