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 Cleaning
Copper and Brass
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- Copper and brass is easily
cleaned using materials and products found around the house.
The metal may retain an oily or greasy residue from its manufacture.
This residue can be removed using dish washing detergent with
a sponge or rag.
- Heavy oxidation or discoloration
has to be removed more aggressively using fine sand paper, abrasive
pads, abrasive cleansers or chemical tarnish removers. Many cleansers
(such as Bar Keeper's) contain an abrasive with a mild powdered
acid which activates in water and removes oxidation. Cleansers
containing bleach will remove the oxidation but the chlorine
in the mix can induce a green patina. A tooth brush can be used
to work the cleanser into folds or joints. DO NOT use steel wool
on copper or brass as the iron in the wool will transfer to the
metal and eventually cause a black discoloration. Abrasive methods
of cleaning will leave a 'brushed' satin finish on the metal
which can later be buffed to a polished finish.
 Commercial tarnish removers and metal
polishes are available for copper and brass. Follow the instructions
that come with these products.
 It is the nature of copper
and brass to tarnish or oxidize over time. As the oxidation progresses
it is referred to as 'patina' and is highly valued by some. The
green patina on the Statue of Liberty is an example of this.
- You can slow or inhibit
the formation of oxidation using paste wax or a clear lacquer
coating. There are specific brass and copper lacquers commercially
available that are purported to last longer. They may have to
be removed and reapplied if the metal tarnishes under the coating.
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