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How to clean Brass sign?
September 17, 2008
We have a brass sign outside on our properties which is very badly tarnished. We cannot remove the sign it is fixed onto a concrete wall. We have tried Brasso and Reflections but I think it is too far gone. Does anyone have any suggestions.
I await your advice.
property developer - Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
October 9, 2008
Hi Rini, what look are you going for? Bright brass polish with teal letter contrast? Brown patina looks nice but guessing thats not the look you want..
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Barry Feinman Restore It Yourself, Inc  Carlsbad, California |
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October 22, 2008
Dear Barry,
I would like the brass to be shiny,
I await your advice.
Cheers,
- Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia
Hi, Rini. You can remove the oxidation chemically with something strong like lemon juice plus salt, and follow that with the Brasso [linked by editor to product info at Amazon] to restore the warmth, but it will not be shiny without mechanical buffing with a buffing compound.
If you think about the difference between a mirror and white paint, you'll get the idea. Each reflects a very high percentage of the light, but the white paint scatters it instead of retaining the reflection angle. Even with all of the oxidation removed from your sign, it will scatter the light because of the roughness from all that outdoor exposure. So after the oxidation has been removed, you must mechanically smooth it via buffing. Good luck.
Regards,
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 Ted Mooney, P.E. finishing.com Brick, New Jersey |