Letter 21436

Removing oxidation from bronze [Alabama] 

+++

Trying to remove oxidation from bronze markers of family members graves, In the past several years I have used about every commercial cleaner on the market. None have solved the problem. Is there a chemical solution available to individuals that will remove oxidation from bronze?

Would sincerely appreciate any information you can give me to solve this problem.

Charles S [last name deleted for privacy due to age of posting]
- Satsuma, Alabama, United States of America

I am also looking for a product or a method which will allow me to clean and restore two bronze grave markers of the type given by the VA to veterans. One has been on the ground for 27 years, the other only 18 months, but is still deteriorating or dulling.

Walter M [last name deleted for privacy due to age of posting]
- El Dorado Hills, CA, US

+++++ After trying many chemicals, I tried Simple Green with much success. I sprayed it on full strength, used a stiff bristle brush and then rinsed thoroughly. After doing this twice, I am quite satisfied with the result. Not quite like new, but not bad. Walter M [last name deleted for privacy due to age of posting] - El Dorado Hills, CA USA

Well, one thing that I did that removed oxidation the best was a mixture of vinegar and salt together that makes a acid that removes the oxidation within a couple minutes. It worked great for me. Try it yourself =)
Sincerely,

Morgan Miller
- Chico, California, United States

Vinegar and salt (or lemon juice and salt) is a reasonably strong acid that works fast. However, it does leave copper and brass rather raw and orange looking, and you may want to finish up with a commercial brass cleaner like Brasso [link is to product info at Amazon] to give back that softer glow.

Ted Mooney, P.E.  finishing.com Brick, NJ

Addressing the issue of removing oxidation and discoloration from bronze grave-markers, if the problem is well established (a gray-green uniform coloration) your best bet is to consider having the marker sent off for reconditioning. Writer has recently tried "too many" web recommended products ranging from Simple Green, Whink, vinegar & salt, & Tarn-Away to muriatic acid, all with NO success ... indeed the markers looked better before with uniform deterioration. Internet research reveals there are a handful of companies that engage a process similar to sandblasting using tiny glass beads to do the cleaning and produce a product that looks like new. At which point unfortunately the decay process starts again but can be retarded by wax or a coat of polyurethane.

Skip C. Holmes
- Warner Robins, GA, U.S.A.

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