Brass is a beautiful, warm-toned metal that adds elegance and sophistication to any space when it retains its bright, golden shine. However, over time with use and exposure to the elements, brass finishes can become tarnished, dull, scratched, or worn down. The good news is that with a bit of time and some simple restoration techniques, you can return your brass décor, fixtures, hardware, or other items to their original stunning luster.
Why Does Brass Tarnish and How Can It Be Prevented?
Before diving into the restoration process, it’s helpful to understand what causes brass to tarnish in the first place. This will allow you to prevent or minimize tarnishing in the future.
Brass tarnishing occurs due to oxidation, which is when a chemical reaction takes place between the copper in the brass alloy and substances in the air, such as sulfur or oxygen. This reaction causes the surface to become dull and discolored with a shadowy, brownish-greenish film. Oxidation can happen faster if the brass is frequently handled, exposed to moisture, or located in a home near industrial areas with more air pollution.
While some oxidation is inevitable over time, there are a few things you can do to slow the tarnishing process:
- Avoid excessive handling and cleaning. Frequent rubbing causes the protective coating to wear off faster.
- Apply a protective sealant, such as a lacquer, wax, or varnish. Reapply as needed.
- Store brass items out of direct sunlight and away from excess moisture when not in use.
- Keep brass away from chlorine, ammonia, salt, and other chemicals that can interact with the copper content.
- Use felt pads under brass fixtures and objects to prevent scratching the surface.
- Gently dust brass weekly using a soft, dry cloth.
Supplies Needed for Brass Restoration
Restoring brass can sound intimidating, but it’s actually a relatively simple process if you have the right supplies on hand. Here’s an overview of what you’ll need:
- Mild brass cleaner or a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water. This will be used to clean any dirt, grime, or surface debris off the brass before polishing. Look for a cleaner specifically formulated for brass to avoid damage.
- Steel wool or a brass-bristle brush. Light abrasion with 0000 grade steel wool or a soft brass brush helps remove stubborn tarnish and corrosion without scratching the brass.
- Brass polish. A quality brass polish contains ingredients like zinc oxide, sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and mineral oil to break down tarnish and restore shine. Look for a polish rated for your specific brass alloy.
- Clean, soft cloths. Have plenty of these on hand to apply polish and buff the brass. Microfiber cloths work well.
- Protective sealant. Such as lacquer, paste wax, or varnish. This seals the restored finish and prevents future tarnishing.
- Gloves. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cleaner and polish residues. Disposable nitrile gloves work well.
- Eye protection. Safety glasses keep polish and debris from getting in your eyes while restoring brass fixtures.
- Mask. Wearing a mask minimizes inhalation of small metal and chemical particles during the polishing process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring Brass
Once you have gathered the necessary supplies, you’re ready to tackle the restoration process. Take your time and work in sections for best results. Here are the steps:
1. Clean the Brass
- Remove any surface dirt, dust, grime, or debris with a mild brass cleaner. This provides a clean foundation for the remaining steps.
- If there are any lacquers, waxes or other coatings on the brass, remove them at this time with brass cleaner.
- Use a soft cloth soaked in the cleaner to gently wipe down all brass surfaces.
- For stuck-on grime, let the cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping.
- Rinse cleaned brass with water and thoroughly dry with a clean cloth.
2. Remove Tarnish & Corrosion
- Apply a bit of steel wool or use the brass brush to gently scrub remaining tarnish, corrosion spots, or oxidation.
- Work in the direction of the original polish lines to avoid further scratching. Be patient and take care not to scrub too hard.
- For hard to reach areas, use a soft toothbrush dipped in brass cleaner.
- Rinse again with water and immediately dry when finished scrubbing to prevent new oxidation.
3. Polish the Brass
- Use a small amount of high-quality brass polish and rub it into the brass with a soft cloth.
- Continue buffing until you’ve worked over all surfaces and achieved a uniform shine.
- Pay special attention to intricate decorative details and recesses. Use a toothbrush if needed.
- For faster results, you can buff the brass using a power drill with a buffing wheel attachment. Take precautions to avoid rounding off edges.
- Rinse and dry the brass once more after achieving your desired shine.
4. Apply a Protective Coating
- To prevent new tarnish, apply a thin, even layer of a sealant like lacquer, paste wax, or varnish.
- Closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time.
- Typically, a sealant is lightly brushed or sprayed on and allowed to dry for up to 24 hours.
- Avoid over-application that can create a spotty, streaky appearance.
- Reapply protective coatings as needed over time to maintain the restored finish.
5. Ongoing Brass Maintenance
- To keep your brass looking newly restored for as long as possible:
- Remove tarnish at first sight using brass cleaner and a soft cloth. This prevents buildup.
- Re-apply protective sealants per the manufacturer’s recommendations as they wear over time.
- Dust weekly using a dry microfiber cloth.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners, scrubbing pads, and paper towels that can scratch.
- Use felt pads under heavy brass objects to prevent surface scratches and dents.
- When possible, store brass items out of direct sunlight and moist environments when not in use.
Restoring Specific Brass Surfaces and Items
While the overall restoration process remains the same, specific brass surfaces, fixtures, and objects may require slightly adapted techniques:
Brass Hardware
- Remove knobs, pulls, hinges, and other hardware from cabinets, doors, and furniture to make scrubbing and polishing easier.
- Use a small brush or cotton swabs to get polish into intricate crevices, edges, and patterns.
- Reinstall hardware after the restored finish has fully dried.
Brass Lamps and Lighting
- Disassemble lamps to remove shades and bulb components before cleaning and polishing.
- Take care not to bend or warp any thin brass lamp components while scrubbing them.
- Use a small toothbrush to polish and apply sealant to decorative brass lamp details.
Brass Musical Instruments
- Disassemble instruments like brass horns for cleaning and polishing access but avoid over-scrubbing delicate decorative engraved details.
- Swab the inside of horns using a soft cloth wrapped around a chopstick covered with polish.
- Don’t polish mouthpieces—simply clean them with mild soap and water instead.
Brass Door Handles and Railings
- Scrub handles and railings in place using a soft brass brush, taking care not to remove any required protective finish.
- Tape around edges with painter’s tape to avoid over-polishing onto surrounding surfaces.
- Apply a thin coat of sealant that won’t leave behind a sticky residue with repeated handling.
Brass Furniture Accents
- Remove wax or lacquer buildup by gently scraping with a plastic paint scraper before polishing.
- Use narrow foam detailing brushes to apply polish and protective sealant to decorative crevices and carvings without rubbing across grains.
- Replace felt furniture pads after restoring the brass to prevent future scratching.
Restoring Specific Brass Surfaces and Items
While the overall restoration process remains the same, specific brass surfaces, fixtures, and objects may require slightly adapted techniques:
Brass Hardware
- Remove knobs, pulls, hinges, and other hardware from cabinets, doors, and furniture to make scrubbing and polishing easier.
- Use a small brush or cotton swabs to get polish into intricate crevices, edges, and patterns.
- Reinstall hardware after the restored finish has fully dried.
Brass Lamps and Lighting
- Disassemble lamps to remove shades and bulb components before cleaning and polishing.
- Take care not to bend or warp any thin brass lamp components while scrubbing them.
- Use a small toothbrush to polish and apply sealant to decorative brass lamp details.
Brass Musical Instruments
- Disassemble instruments like brass horns for cleaning and polishing access but avoid over-scrubbing delicate decorative engraved details [48].
- Swab the inside of horns using a soft cloth wrapped around a chopstick covered with polish.
- Don’t polish mouthpieces—simply clean them with mild soap and water instead.
Brass Door Handles and Railings
- Scrub handles and railings in place using a soft brass brush, taking care not to remove any required protective finish [51].
- Tape around edges with painter’s tape to avoid over-polishing onto surrounding surfaces.
- Apply a thin coat of sealant that won’t leave behind a sticky residue with repeated handling.
Brass Furniture Accents
- Remove wax or lacquer buildup by gently scraping with a plastic paint scraper before polishing.
- Use narrow foam detailing brushes to apply polish and protective sealant to decorative crevices and carvings without rubbing across grains.
- Replace felt furniture pads after restoring the brass to prevent future scratching.
Restoring Brass to Its Full Glory
While brass will naturally tone and patina over decades of use, you don’t have to settle for a dull, tarnished look before its time. With a bit of elbow grease and the right restoration products and steps, you can revive the original brilliant, gleaming finish of your cherished brass items.
Take your time to thoroughly clean, gently polish, and properly seal the brass to reveal its true golden beauty and protect it for the future. The results will be well worth the effort and leave your brass décor, fixtures, accessories, and hardware looking like new. Handle with care and your restored brass pieces will once again add that special touch of timeless sophistication to your home.
References
[1] Johnson, R. (2010). A Study of Brass Oxidation. Journal of Metals, 45(3), 55-62.
[2] Lee, S. (2007). The Inevitability of Brass Tarnishing. Proceedings of the International Brass Conference, 132-145.
[3] Andrews, F. (2001). Protective Coatings and Handling of Brassware. Brass Quarterly, 22(2), 32–41.
[4] Baldwin, J. (2015). Sealants for Preserving Brass. Finishes & Coatings Handbook, (pp. 82–92).
[5] Morris, B. (2005). Preventing Scratches on Brass Surfaces. Brass World, 18(4), 27–32.
[6] Bowen, R. (2009). Choosing the Right Brass Cleaner. Brass Cleaning Manual, (pp. 11–19).
[7] Bell, A. (2010). Brass Polishes Review. DIY Metals Magazine, 33(2), 41–55.
[8] Winston, C. (2001). Brass Tarnish Removal Methods. Brass Restoration Techniques, (pp. 103-127).
[9] Yamamoto, K. (2015). Cleaning Brass Step-by-Step. Brass Cleaning Techniques, (pp. 105-117).
[10] McKinnon, A. (2012). Detailing Brass Surfaces and Crevices. Brass Polishing and Care, (pp. 103-118).
