How to clean Brass sign?

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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.

Rini Hauff
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..

Barry Feinman
Restore It Yourself, Inc

Carlsbad, California

October 22, 2008

Dear Barry,
I would like the brass to be shiny,
I await your advice.
Cheers,

Rini Hauff
- 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 [link is 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,

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

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