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Brass is a lovely metal alloy from which artisans create beautiful objects for display in the home, or even jewelry. Good brass has a soft glow and complements any decor. However, it may become tarnished. If badly tarnished, the metal will have a black hue and needs thorough cleaning and renovation.
Brass that has become tarnished will need polishing, but first, the old lacquer must be removed. Brass usually is made from 67 percent copper and 33 percent zinc. The proportions may vary. The copper in the alloy will tarnish if exposed to air, so brass is usually covered with lacquer to prevent oxidation.
The first step in cleaning brass is to wash the object in warm, soapy water. Use a soft brush to clean any ornamentation. It is possible that the object is not really tarnished but has simply become heavily soiled over time, and it will be returned to the original elegant appearance with a quick wash. If so, just dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
To begin removing old lacquer, pour boiling water over the piece. This may be sufficient to soften the lacquer so it can be peeled away. If some old lacquer remains, use acetone, or nail polish remover, applied with a cotton ball to remove it.
For sensitive individuals, an alternative is to use vinegar as a solvent, but this takes longer and requires more effort. Small objects can be treated by brushing on acetone with an old toothbrush and then boiling the piece in water. Discard the toothbrush or keep it in cleaning supplies afterward.
After using acetone on a larger piece, again pour hot water over it to rinse completely. Dry the piece with a soft, lint-free cloth.
Brass can be left without lacquer to develop a patina, and then re-lacquered to stop the oxidation process. Or cover with new lacquer immediately. Work in a well-ventilated area.
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How do you remove polyurethane from brass?
how to remove polyurethane from a brass bed
How do you remove contact cement off laminate flooring?
My best answer would be lacquer thinner, applied with a clean rag and remove the glue with single edged razor blade. Small amounts of glue residue can easily be cleaned off with the lacquer thinner. Make sure you have plenty of ventilation. If the flooring is non-organic, such as Pergo, this will be easy. If it is a laminated wood flooring, it has a finish that may be dulled by the lacquer thinner and may require a clear finish when compete.
How do you remove dried cat spray from brass?
Saliva and white grape juice is the only true way to remove the stains and smell of feline urine.
How do you remove tacky glue from clothes?
First try a mild solvent like Goo-Gone or Goof Off. If they don't do it, try gentle scrubbing with acetone or lacquer thinner if the clothing is strong.
What do copper and zinc together make?
An alloy of copper and zinc is called brass. Tin or aluminum can be added to brass to increase its resistance to corrosion. (see related link for types of brass)
How do you paint over brass lacquer on fireplace doors. Must you remove old finish or just prime and spray with a high heat paint?
You must rough up the old finish, use sandpaper. Then apply the heat resistant paint
How do you remove nitrocellulose lacquer?
Lacquer thinner will possibly remove it, chemical stripper will definitely remove it.
Can silver polish clean brass instruments like the french horn?
Not really, no. Many horns are coated with a clear lacquer over polished brass, and an abrasive silver polish will wear off the lacquer.
Why do people put lacquer on trumpets?
It prevents the brass from tarnishing, and keeps it shiny.
How do you remove polyurethane from brass?
how to remove polyurethane from a brass bed
Why was the trumpet originaly red?
It wasn't the red colour is from lacquer which is applied after the brass is formed into the trumpet shape.
How do you remove the lacquer from a saxophone?
If someone has applied a lacquer to stop the brass from tarnishing,it's likely that they have used either acrylic or oil based clear from an aerosol can.(some of the acrylics are of good quality) You should be able to remove it with acetone and clean cotton rags.If a 2-part polyurathane is on it, it will need paint stripper, but this is unlikely.
How do you remove black tar adhesive?
Lacquer thinner will remove it from most materials.
How do you remove printing on PVC pipes?
Lacquer thinner.
We want to remove epoxy phenolic lacquer from tinplate sheet's The Tinplate sheet were first coated with lacquer and than heated at 190 degree Celsius.?
Use heated lacquer remover.
Where can you find out about soluble fluoropolymer lacquer finishes for brass and bronze handrails?
Super Shield in the US make it and ship worldwide
Will lacquer thinner remove dried paint from a paint sprayer?
It depends on the type of paint. Lacquer thinner will remove most oil based and latex paints from a paint sprayer, however, spray gun cleaner will remove it better.
