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Cleaning and preparing aluminum and Copper alloys for oxidizing and clearcoating

I am trying to prepare brass and bronze pieces for oxidization and clearcoat, and aluminum for clearcoat only. I have seen metal etch solutions in hardware stores but they seem to be only for steel and aluminum.
What is a good solution to prep brass/bronze for a darkening and then its clearcoat?

Nathan James
hobbyist - Vallejo, California
2005

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For copper and brass You can use 10% sulfuric acid, on aluminum You can use very short dipping in 10 % sodium hydroxide solution.Other solutions are more complicated.
Before colouring, you must degrease Your objects -- acetone ⇦ on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! Flammable! or alcohol are both usable (both very combustible).Good luck!

Goran Budija
- Cerovski vrh Croatia
2005

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