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Removing Heavy Brass Oxidation

2001

Howdy,

I am trying to clean heavy oxidation(thirty years worth)from various brass parts on a boat. Most of the pieces can't be removed. I have tried quite a few of the standard products, Brasso, Flitz, Barkeepers Friend ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , but the results are minimal.

Do you know of any products or methods that will speed up my work?

Seth Anderson
- Seattle, Washington, USA

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2006

I, too, am having trouble removing oxidation from a pair of floor style candle holders. The only thing that I have found that will remove it (and this takes a lot of time) is fine 00 steel wool ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . Most people do not understand that oxidation is not like tarnish. Brasso ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , etc. will not remove oxidation. After using steel wool, I then use Brasso, etc. to polish. If you hear of something better, please publish on internet. I will be watching.

Betty T. Caton
- Knoxville, Tennessee, USA

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Hi, folks. Although it's very easy on people, one of the most aggressive things for brass is vinegar ⇦in bulk on eBay or Amazon [affil links] + salt + flour. Don't use it on delicate stuff because it's aggressive, and plan on going over it with a commercial polish like ⇦[this on eBay or Amazon affil links] because it will usually leave brass rather raw and orange. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 18, 2009