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Cleaning rough brass rails of courthouse

2002

I am trying to determine my options for cleaning rough brass railings. These are the vertical posts that lead up to the polished brass hand rail. They have turned a brown color and now have mixed hues of green that have occurred from residue left from earlier cleaning efforts. (Brasso ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] ?) We tried a sample spot with light muriatic acid ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] followed by an oil wipe down that looks very nice now, but I am concerned with after effects of this treatment., This application is in an 80 year old courthouse setting and we don't want any surprise damages popping up later. Appreciate any comments anybody can give me.

Milo Ford
- Watertown, South Dakota

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There are a number of products that will work well to remove the discoloration (oxides and carbonates) on the surface. The discoloration will come back again later unless you put a protective layer on the surface. The oil is okay, but will eventually volatilize and you will have to redo it. If you talk to a good shop that works with bronzework they can tell you what to coat it with after cleaning.

The muriatic acid will not harm the surface, but will certainly harm any concrete or other surfaces that it might get on. Safer materials based on citric acid are available on the market, but ALL acids will attack concrete, so be careful.

Lee Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.

McHenry, Illinois

2002