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

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Restoring brass handles/hardware on Antique Secretary Desk

My friend is restoring an old Antique Secretary for me, there are beautiful handles what we believe to be as brass that are tarnished. Tarn-X and polish have been ineffective to clean the tarnish. Should he have dipped them in vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] or ammonia as some would suggest before using the tarnish remover? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. How then would they be sealed if we can get them shining again?
Thank you,

Michelle Morgan

2006

I would try more than one brand of store-bought brass cleaner/polish. If they don't work, then go on to vinegar and salt, but this is very aggressive. Is there a chance that these are not solid brass, but rather are brass plated and you are seeing the steel underneath rather than seeing tarnish?

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2006

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