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How do I seal a brass bed after it's restored?
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My dad is cleaning my very old brass bed, and we did that with diluted acid and Brasso [linked by editor to product info at Amazon]. Now my problem is, what do we finish and seal it with? It seems like we've heard of something made just for brass. My dad is afraid that if we use a lacquer or polyurethane it will yellow after time.
Elizabeth G [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]
- New Albany, Indiana
++For protecting a finished brass surface, Polished, satin, scrubbed, bead blasted....whatever! Lacquer is the way to go, or oven baked epoxy (type of lacquer) If your cleaned or restored surface looks just like you want it, lacquer will keep it about like that, maybe with a slight shine or wet look the higher the polish. This has been used on band instruments for ever -- almost:) You could try your local musical inst.repair dept. or autobody,...jeweler,. etc..for help!
Jon VanBuren
Noteworthy Piano Service - Holland, Michigan
++++ -- this entry appended to this thread by editor in lieu of spawning a duplicative thread
WHAT IS THE BEST METHOD TO SEAL THE BRASS BED AFTER ITS BEEN POLISHED?
LON L [last name deleted for privacy by Editor]homemaker - REINBECK, IOWA
++++Brass lacquer is probably what you're looking for. For large quantities, look to G.J. Nikolas. If you just want a spray can or two, you can try brass lacquer [linked by editor to product info at Amazon].
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey
January 7, 2010I agree with all said here, regarding lacquer. However a couple of important steps were missed.
Brian Edwards
1. After it has been polished there will be some residue left it is important to remove this, in warm to hot soapy water.
2.Gloves (I find the surgical type is best) must be put on, this is important as any finger prints will be seen after the Lacquer is applied.
I find at least 3 coats should be applied. The slightly warm fitting will allow the lacquer to dry more quickly.
- Sydney Australia
April 24, 2011 -- this entry appended to this thread by editor in lieu of spawning a duplicative thread
Hello,
Brass "knuckles?"? I am a disabled Veteran who uses a walking cane. I purchased one with a brass eagle head and over time the finish has worn off and the brass is turning my palm green. Recently I sent it to a plater who refinished it and said they would also apply a sealant of some type to prevent it from turning my hand green, but after several months the finish has worn off again and it is turning my hand green. I was wondering if I could paint it with something and then seal it myself to keep this from happening. I understand the sweat from my hand is what is causing the reaction. Any ideas on the matter?
Thank you,
Hobbyist - Woodburn, Kentucky
Hi, Manolo.
You can strip the old lacquer with acetone [linked by editor to product info at Rockler] or lacquer thinner [linked by editor to product info at Amazon], then apply new lacquer. An automotive clear coat would be longer lasting than lacquer, but requires a spray gun that most consumers wouldn't have. Good luck, and thank you for your service to our country.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey
June 16, 2011
Hello,
"Polishing for Love". My parents purchased two brass wood boxes ( 18x18x12) in Germany about 60 years ago. I have them placed at either side of my fireplace. Over the years they have been polished over and over and are now looking very sad. I can clean them again but I want to put something on them to keep them looking good for the further and beyond.
I await with bated breath for any advise or help.
Thanks,
Rhoda
retired college professor - Cumming, Georgia, USA
June 2011
Hi, Rhoda.
Brass Lacquer is designed for this particular purpose and, unlike some clear coats, it's easily removed if you change your mind. If you think that's unlikely, then you can apply an automotive-style 2-K clear coat =>
But if you don't like it, it's hard to get off.The third option, which would require more frequent maintenance, would be wax =>
Good luck.
Regards,
Ted Mooney, P.E.
finishing.com
Brick, New Jersey
