Letter 22020

Cleaning a military bronze cemetery plaque [Michigan] 

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I'd like to know how to clean a bronze military plaque that has been in the cemetery for about 11 years. We've tried polishing it over the years and it now looks very dull. One of the products we've tried is Brasso [link is to product info at Amazon] which apparently added to the dullness of the stone.

Sandy K [name deleted for privacy by editor]
- Bay City, Michigan, USA

Hi:

I have the same question for a bronze war memorial in Gustine, CA. Did you get an answer to your question and did it work?

Thank for any help.

Diana B [name deleted for privacy by editor]
- Sacramento, CA

I too am searching for advice on the best way to clean, brighten up, a bronze historic plaque placed in the 1920s on an outdoor boulder. Last year it was hit by a black paint ball which we washed off with detergent and water. The appearance is very dull and dingy.

E K Johnson
- Easton, NY, USA

I wish to clean a 12" x 24" nameplate that was cast in bronze. It has raised letters and a smooth background and has weathered over time to an almost black shade of coloring overall. The nameplate is affixed to a stone pillar and will most likely have to be cleaned while still in place. After cleaning, I would like to protect the finish to prevent it from turning black again. I would appreciate your advice. (This letter seems to already ask a similar question, but I cannot locate the responses.) Thanks very much.

Bill C [name deleted for privacy by editor]
Retired Do-gooder - Wethersfield, CT, USA

I NEED TO FIND SOME CLEANER THAT WILL CLEAN MY WIFE'S BRONZE MARKER.

LEONARD C [name deleted for privacy by editor]
- DOUGLASVILLE, GA, USA

Most plaques and markers come with a clear lacquer finish, this only slows down the oxidation process and after some time depending on the exposure you have to refinish the bronze to maintain the original look...so here we go.

If you have raised letters and trim and you are ok with a satin grained look, the you can sand in uniform direction to remove the clear coat, as you are doing this you will notice it is also cleaning and removing the oxidation.

If you have a recessed background color use caution not to damage the color, once you are done sanding and have done your detail work and are satisfied with the look...Now you can spray on a clear finish coat with a UV inhibitor.

VERY IMPORTANT

Don't touch the bronze after you clean, you have acid and oil's on your hands and this will leave finger prints that will show up in a couple of weeks.

Have Fun

Mark Rekdahl
- Los Angeles, CA

Yes I would like to know how to clean the bronze plaque that my dad has on his grave.

Tom H [name deleted for privacy by editor]
- Fowler, MI, USA

Hello I would like to know what is the best way to keep a bronze plaqe in good condition??? We would love to keep my daughters bronze plaque at the cementary looking its best.

Thank you in advance for your help!!!

Ana M [name deleted for privacy by editor]
- Dallas, TX

General Purpose Bronze Cleaner: Salt, Vinegar, and Flour. Dissolve 1 teaspoon salt in 1 cup white vinegar. Add enough flour to make a paste. Apply paste to bronze and let sit for 15 minutes to 1 hour. Rinse with clean, warm water, and polish dry.

Dr Gayle Kite
- lake worth fl usa

You can also gently rub it clean with a cloth dipped
in mineral spirits, which you can find at your local hardware store.
If using the vinegar/water/flour method, make sure the water you are using is warm DISTILLED water.

Joan Martin
- APO, AE U.S.A.

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