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Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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How to restore red brass/bronze

2003

Hi,

I have some gas valves from a Bryant home heating furnace, the valves are stamped with third reich stampings -- I collect WW2 memorabilia any way -- they are red brass or bronze, having a hard time getting surface bright, can you help with a home remedy ? Tried a tumbler for reloaders/tried jewelry cleaner/tried creams/on this site a navy dude said use Kool Aid, soak overnight (letter 757). Any reply would be nice.

Thank you for your time.

John Shimkunas
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

October 13, 2009

Hi, John. I don't think the navy guy was suggesting the kool aid as a tarnish remover or a brightener, but as a dye.

The technical answer to chemically brightening brass and bronze is probably an oxidizing acid like nitric acid (dangerous) or sulfuric acid plus hydrogen peroxide (less dangerous, but still not for the untrained or those without personnel protective gear) -- a plating shop can do this for you.

But you may be able to buff to brightness with a buffing wheel on a grinder and a very mild polishing compound like Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links]

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey

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